Load Center & Capacity Limits Flashcards

A load is heavier on one end than the other. The operator positions the heavy end toward the mast. How does this affect the load center?

Answer: It moves the load center closer to the mast, increasing effective capacity

Placing the heavier end toward the mast moves the center of gravity closer to the fork face, reducing the effective load center and increasing safe capacity.

What does it mean when a forklift's rated capacity chart shows decreasing capacity values for each 6-inch increment of lift height?

Answer: Higher lift heights raise the center of gravity, reducing stability and safe capacity

As forks rise, the load's center of gravity moves higher, shifting the combined center of gravity upward and reducing the forklift's tipping resistance.

An operator loads a forklift to 90% of rated capacity and notices the rear wheels are lifting off the ground slightly. What does this indicate?

Answer: The center of gravity has moved forward, toward the tipping line

Rear wheels lifting off the ground means the center of gravity has moved ahead of the front axle — the forklift is at immediate risk of forward tip-over.

How does traveling with the mast tilted fully forward (downward) while carrying a load affect capacity and stability?

Answer: It shifts the load center forward, significantly reducing stability

Tilting the mast forward while loaded shifts the load center toward the front, moving the center of gravity toward the tipping axis and reducing stability.

A facility's floor is rated at 3,000 lbs per square foot. A forklift with a loaded weight of 18,000 lbs has a 6-square-foot contact area. What is the floor loading per square foot?

Answer: 3,000 lbs/sq ft

Floor loading = total weight ÷ contact area = 18,000 ÷ 6 = 3,000 lbs per square foot, which exactly meets (but does not exceed) the floor rating.

Which of the following actions would INCREASE a forklift's effective lifting capacity for a given load?

Answer: Positioning the load as close to the mast as possible

Sliding the load back so it rests closer to the mast reduces the effective load center distance, which increases the safe lifting capacity.

An operator is using a forklift on a wet outdoor surface. How should this affect load capacity decisions?

Answer: Reduced traction and stability on wet surfaces mean the operator should reduce loads and travel speed

Wet or slippery surfaces reduce traction and stability margins, requiring operators to reduce loads and travel speeds to maintain safe control.