Dan

I understand your frustration, I'm a trainer, tech and used equipment dealer so sometimes have to wear more than one hat!

If you check the spec sheet on the Clark website, you will see that it is indeed nominally a "5000lb capacity" unit, however that rating is with a standard mast, and no accessories (s/s etc). Some manufacturers only get the nominal lift capacity with a 120" two stage mast, a spec you will rarely see.....

You have a truck with a 240" mast which leads to the downrating, I'm sure it will lift more, quite safely, at lower lift heights, indeed many manufacturers will have staggered capacities/lift hts. on the spec plate. That being said your machine only has only the one capacity listed and therefor by law that is it's capacity. No exceptions!

Clark may rerate the unit for your customer and give staggered lift heights/capacities, but then again they may not.

Hope this helps,

Martin