The counterweight + a minimum weight battery or maximum weight battuer MUST be used for safety issues. The owner of the forklift MUST get the manufactures or authorized distributor written approval to add weight and where. Rated capacity of any counterbalance forklift is not just the teeter tauter principal, The capacity is based on the stability triangle and the CG is also measure at maximum lifting height and bast tilt angle.. Capacity is verified on a tilt table to measure sidae to side tip over points
Shad tree engineering can get you in to real trouble. - Philadelphia lawyers get rich on shad trees.
BTW I only sent from December 1967 thru October 2007 in the lift truck industry.
Hint : Read the OSHA standards and the latest ANS B56.1 standards (might be called SAE standards now) on the does & don't and responsibilities of the owner/driver of owning a lift truck. Hung up my lift truck spurs in 2007.
GL
Ciao & Pura Vida
PS: Won't provide you any more info as it seems you have answered you concerns all by your self.
PSS: Like I stated in my previous post - you provided sketchy info at best in your post. And all replies did not even cost you a "Yankee Dime"..
PSSS: A Yankee dime for those that aren't familiar withe that term is a kiss on the cheek. "Learnt" that from my "Lone Star Lady" of 42+ years. And that is all I will ever wager on a bet because even when you loose you win.. For the record I only bet Y.Ds. with the ladies