Forklift capacity deration is the most misunderstood item in our industry. The truck in question could have a basic theoretical capacity of 8000#. In other words the truck is built on an 8000# chassis. Most likely the only scenario where the capacity plate would read 8,000# at 24" load center would be if the truck is equipped with a two stage mast, up to 48" forks and no attachment. Well, hardly any forklift trucks are equipped that way today. Most are equipped with a triple mast that lifts 189" and a side shifter. In this case not only would the triple mast derate the truck but the side shifter will as well. This is known as net capacity which is the true capacity of the truck.

Most customers and a few forklift sales people believe that although the basic capacity of a forklift truck is 8000# and the capacity plate reads 7000# then they can safely lift 8,000# let's say 12" in the air, just enough to move it. That is not the case. Unless the capacity plate shows a dual rating then the capacity of the forklift is 7,000# from 0".

When purchasing a new truck there are ways to lessen the impact of deration. Using an integral side shifter usually does not derate a truck. Using solid pneumatic tires and or dual tires instead of "air" pneumatic tires greatly improves net capacity as well.