This is easy to explain to trainees.

The lift capacity of a forklift is determined with the mast vertical and the forks level. (Altering the tilt to forward will reduce your lift capacity because it alters the CF constant factor and LC load centre.....basic stuff, see below).

The formula for de-rating when either adding attachments or changes in load size variation is this:-

CF + LC x RC
____________
CF + NLC

CF = Constant Factor 'X' (Distance measured in mm from the front face of the forks/attachment to the centre of the front wheel/axle)

LC = Load Centre (Distance measured in mm from the front face of the forks/attachment to the centre of gravity of the load)

RC = Rated Capacity (Lift Trucks maximum rated lifting capacity in kg)

NLC = New Load Centre (The load centre in mm of the new load you are about to lift)

If trainees are simply shown a fancy powerpoint or lots of snazzy diagrams on the above then the average operator (and sadly instructor) is likely to fall asleep and never remember.

But essentially they are only dealing with '4' numbers in mm. How difficult is that?

Much easier and far more interactive to give them the formula as shown above on a prepared piece of paper. Give them a pen and a tape measure. Get them to determine what the basic measurements are for (CF,LC,RC,NLC). Surely they can all take 4 measurements?

Then using a mobile phone calculator (away from the batteries) they will come to a de-rated lift capacity.

A pen, a piece of paper, a tape measure and a mobile phone!

Easy and takes about 10 minutes if you have a slow bunch!

As always........if you don't know the weight of the load you are about to lift and the lifting capacity of your truck.......then you shouldn't be lifting it!!

Cheers

Jonah