John_J, Lateral stability is accounted for in the software for sideshifting AND rotating attachments and is reflected in the "min/max offset" columns on the summary results page. Mast tilt limitations are also considered and displayed. Fork capacities at extended load centers are also accounted for in the software and reflected in the capacity rating results, as well as the effect of load center on all attachments mounted to the forklift. The software also displays whether the attachments or forks are limiting the forklift capacity or the attachment and/or forks have excess capacity and quantifies this amount so the attachment or forks may be optimized for the chosen configuration. Only certain forklift models are currently listed in the database. The software utilizes only published manufacturer's test data and therefore accounts for all the physical and structural limitations of the forklift (mast, tires, cylinders, hydraulics, etc.) The software is revolutionary and is designed to consolidate massive amounts of information in one convenient location, perform complex calculations instantly, and provides information that was previously unavailable. Professional Forklift Engineering Services is a licensed engineering firm in the USA, experienced in the field of forklift capacity ratings and as such, is allowed by OSHA to provide forklift capacity rating plates. Thanks for trying it out. It is presently free for your use, and through its use you will become more familiar with the powerful features it offers. You can also email us on the website if you have specific questions. Thanks again John.

Capacity Guru
How do you account for capacity limitations due to the following factors?

1. Lateral stability limits or side ways tip overs which are directly related to position & height of the trucks CG within the plan view of the stability triangle and will vary by make and model and wheel base configurations (i.e. electric trucks with extended battery compartments)?

2. Limitations due to the capacity of the tilt cylinders (maybe very important when determining capacities at extended load centers) or the column strength limits of the lifting cylinders.

3. Axle/tire weight limits?

4. The affects of mast tilt angle?

5. Mast stretch tilt - or mast bowing at full extension with higher lift heights?

6. Fork capacities at extended load centers?

The only people that "legally" have this data are the OEM manufacturer and the data changes with each model change. That's why all the simple capacity calculators (or guesstiamtors) like Cascade, Bolzoni, have available state always check with the OEM for final capacity confirmation, otherwise the Philadelphia lawyers will be knocking on their door too!

Finally, one should always verify the capacity with the manufacturer prior to making a firm quote or commitment to a customer before they order the truck - never, never after it is ordered i - don't need any expesive surprises - unless there is enough profit in the deal to order two trucks and still pay a commission.

3000lbs x 30'' = 90000 divided by 24'' standard load centre = 3750lbs at 24,, load centre.
This would be the capacity lifting up to 10 feet. Over this height the truck would downrate again. I would suggest that to lift 3000lbs to 200'' you would need a 6000lb capacity truck at 24'' load centre. But check with the original manufacturer for the formular for deration at height.

Thanks for the feedback Normandy and Sean_m. Haven't noticed the connection speed issues with the dropdowns on this end. If you are running Internet Explorer, check to make sure your browser is up to date (google windows update) or load mozilla firefox (also a good browser). Could be a connection speed issue (dialup) and we will check that. The speed is not database size dependent though, but some of the spec sheet files are large and take a little time to load. We are working on that. We are continuing to add models to the database and will appreciate feedback on what you would like to see. As far as custom attachments or integrals, there is a button to attach specials and we will upload the specs to the database so they will show up in your dropdown lists for your use. Thanks.

Nice site, a little slow waiting on each drop down menu to load but its definitely much more impressive than any capacity calculator I've seen yet.
Perhaps you could have a custom section for the forklifts that aren't available in the drop down list.
If there was a disclaimer stating that it was just a estimate and for accurate results the user should contact the OEM. It should cover you.
Same for inputting the attachments. Limited amount of attachment manufacturers shown. Plus a lot of the time people get customized attachments made.

Had a quick look and it seems fine.

Truck range is limited for now but I am sure it can be developed OK. however it is cumbersome even at present and may become worse as you add more products.

Not sure how much people will pay for this

I have seen a lot worse attempts at launching new products.

Good luck hope it goes well for you and that you iron out any problems quickly.

Well it is free right now. I'm sorry we haven't posted our privacy policy yet. It should be up there tomorrow. The only thing we use your registration info for is to communicate with you as we make additions and updates to the site. Eventually we would hope to charge a modest subscription fee and you can see that in the account management screen once you log in.

I don't like to have to register, and would like (and think I have a right to demand) more information about what you intend to do with the personal information you require to register.
What will your business model be? how much do you think anyone will pay for this service?

Well, after years of software development we have finally published a web based software tool that will give you the kind of accurate capacity rating information you are looking for and you don't have to be technically inclined to use it. You will still want to obtain your capacity rating plate from the manufacturer once you actually purchase or install the equipment in the field, but the website was designed by forklift capacity rating engineers and allows you to build up a forklift with drop down menus, add up to three attachments to the front, also with drop down menus, and finally select a load center and hit a button to calculate your capacity. You can change the load center and instantly recalculate the capacity and the program also tells you whether you have too much or too little attachment or fork capacity so you can go back and optimize the configuration to get the best capacity at the lowest cost. We have populated the database with thousands of attachment and forklift models and continue to add to the list daily. You can register for a free trial at lifttruckcapacitycalculator.com or forkliftcapacitycalculator.com. Take a look and give us some feedback on how we can improve it. Enjoy!

Request the information from your local forklift dealer that is an authorized dealer for a lift truck company. If you are an end user tthe OEM company will not give you the information. But remember not all basic capacity rated trucks will have the same net capacity rating at maximum lifting height. Forklifts are liek men & women they are all different - in spite of the rumors you hear.
So it is important you also ask what is both the basic lift capacity rating of the unit (important if physical size is important) and the net capacity at maximum lift height with any attachments required (i.e. side shifter, fork positioner, etc.)

In other words!


Consult the OEM Manufacture of the equipment for correct ratings.

Doc.

How to calculate the effect of an attachment on truck capacity

The capacity factor is important in your selection regardless of whether you are buying the truck with the attachment or are adding the attachment to a truck yourself. In addition to the safety aspect -- stability and avoidance of damage to the truck -- you should assure yourself that the truck can do the work you need done.

Normally, an attachment tends to move the center of gravity of the combined truck and load forward. It does this by adding its own weight to the load side of the fulcrum, and by moving the truck's load center forward. The farther forward the center of gravity moves, the smaller the load weight must be and the more likely the truck is to tip forward.

Truck manufacturers generally calculate the net capacity of a truck, with an attachment, using simple formulas. The formula used in the illustration is typical. Many truck manufacturers prefer not to rely on arithmetic alone, but use test methods, such as the tilt-table test.

The formula used here helps you find the net capacity which is, in effect, your load-weight limit, and can be substantially lower than the truck's original rated capacity.

If the load-weight limit is too restricting for your job, you will probably need a truck with a higher original capacity rating. Thus selection of an attachment can also involve selection of a truck. It may be wise not to regard arithmetic formulas as anything more than rules of thumb. They provide a good basis for discussion with your supplier, and give you an idea of your ballpark limits.

For exact determination of the attachment/truck capacity, you should contact your truck manufacturer.

Cascade Customer Service will supply you weight, lost load and center of gravity figures for the truck manufacturer's calculations. 1. Determine measurements

2. Assume, for example, that:

3. Apply this formula:

CAUTION: Formulas can give you a good ballpark estimate of how capacity will be affected. But you should work closely with your truck manufacturer before making a decision. Their data reflects, in most cases, testing with specific trucks and attachment

Quite right Dan. Rated capacity is the MAXIMUM capacity for that machine beit 24" or 12". Ok - heres the boring bit ;-) If you have a machine with a capacity of 4000lbs @ 24" but our load centre is 30". Multiply 4000 (our known capacity) by 24 (our rated centre) = 96000 divide this figure by our new load centre (30") = 3200, our new capacity @30"LC

I really haven't read the above p[osts too closely but if the load center falls below 24", one does NOT GAIN capacity. The capacity stays as is. You can never exceed the rated capacity of the forklift. You stay the same, or lose.

Much information pertaining to load center calculation is based on lifting items beyond the manufacturer's load center of 24". Can the same calculations be utilized to lift an item less than a 24" load center. I have a lift truck with a lifting capacity of 3750 at 24" load center. I would like to know what the lifting capacity of the truck is at a 12" load center.

The only people that are "allowed" to give you an accurate capacity are the manufacturers of the equipment. There are simple ways to do a basic calculation and I'd recommend you visit the website for Cascade. They have a calculator you can copy and use - to get an idea.
If the load is something you handle often, you can get the lift truck dealer for that brand to update your serial number plate to show the capacity of your truck at any a certain load centre.

If the capacity of the truck is not shown on the capacity plate, then it's not safe to perform the lift. Correct action in this case is to contact the manufacturer and ask them if the lift is safe and for them to send you an updated capacity plate. Shame on your employer for buying a truck and not "specing" it to the loads expected to be lifted. The "inch-pound" rule is a rough way to determine whether a load with a +24" load center can be lifted but it only applies to lifting the load off the floor - not up to 200". Example: measure distance from fulcrum (axle of front wheel) to load center in inches. Multiply this by the safe rated capacity to yield "inch-pounds." Divide the "inch-pounds" by the extended distance (fulcrum to +24" load center) and this yields the reduced weight - new safe capacity. But don't use this for lifts above 4". Best bet: consult the manufacturer.

The Kaup site is pretty good but in metrics. many US models can not be found either (unless they fixed this problem since I last saw it)

One simple quick way I use is to convert the increase in load center to a %. Going from 24" to 30" means that you increase the LC by 25%. Now deduct 25% from the original capacity of the truck. For example a 5000lb truck will now be 3750lb. Don't forget about the downrating of the truck. at 200" a 5000lb truck might only have a residual capacity of 4500lb which at 30" lc will be reduced to 3375lb.

This is a very unscientific way that will get you in the ballgame. I would always consult the manufacturer before quoting your customer.

A scary thing is that forklift trucks are unable to determine load centers. A 5000lb truck will lift this weight no matter what the LC is. At least until the truck tips over. Make sure the capacity of the truck is limited to accomodate the changed LC.