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.
If the truck serial number & mast serial number are quoted to Toyota technical service's they can look up the truck's technical file from when it was originally ordered & built to see what lifting capacity it was certificated for.
Speak to your Toyota forklift dealer for help.
Normally confusion like this comes back to Mast specification, Load centers and whether or not sideshift was included in the original Spec.
Check those first.
Having said thst I absolutely agree with Mengr It is the plate that matters and getting that changed will prove to be problematic.
Only original manufacturer plates really matter.
kilbam;
Unless you recieve documentation from the manufacturer in writing stating that the truck has an 8000 lb lift capacity and data plate replacement the truck in question is only legally capable to handle 7000 lbs. What a sales person says will not stand in a citation for regulatory violation. The data tag is what they go by.
Without more information on how the unit is equipped - mast type,(two or 3 stage), mast lift height, attachments, etc. it is hard to provide a specific reason. But fro starters;
This unit has a basic lifting capacity rating of 8000 lbs. at 24" load center with a given mast type & lift height & forks". When the mast type is changed, say from a two stage to a 3 stage mast, attachments are added, like side shift, fork positioner, fork clamps, etc) these 'add-ons" derate the unit from the basic capacity and results in a NET lift capacity.
Of course, there is the possibility attachments may have been removed from the unit & the data plate never up dated (a very common thing).
If you are looking to buy from an independent dealer or auctioneer on-line they may not be able to give you correct answers as they have no direct lines to the manufacturer.