CFA Load Center & Capacity Limits 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A forklift is rated at 8,000 lbs with a 24-inch load center. The actual load center is 48 inches. Using the basic capacity reduction formula, approximately what is the adjusted capacity?
- 8,000 lbs
- 4,000 lbs (Correct answer)
- 6,000 lbs
- 2,000 lbs
Correct answer: 4,000 lbs
Doubling the load center (24" to 48") roughly halves the effective capacity: 8,000 × (24/48) = 4,000 lbs.
Question 2: What is the primary reason rated capacity decreases when longer forks are installed?
- Longer forks weigh more, reducing net payload capacity
- Longer forks shift the effective load center farther from the mast (Correct answer)
- Longer forks interfere with the hydraulic system
- OSHA prohibits loads exceeding fork length
Correct answer: Longer forks shift the effective load center farther from the mast
Longer forks push the load center farther from the mast, reducing effective lifting capacity even for the same rated load.
Question 3: A load is not centered on the forks — it rests entirely on the left fork. What is the primary safety concern?
- The hydraulic cylinders may be damaged
- The load may tip sideways off the forks (Correct answer)
- The right fork may bend under uneven weight
- There is no concern if the total weight is within capacity
Correct answer: The load may tip sideways off the forks
An off-center load creates lateral instability and can cause the load to tip sideways off the forks during travel or elevation.
Question 4: When must an operator consult the load capacity chart rather than relying on memory?
- Only when carrying loads heavier than 10,000 lbs
- Every time load dimensions, weight, or attachments differ from standard (Correct answer)
- Only during initial forklift certification training
- Only when the forklift manufacturer requests it
Correct answer: Every time load dimensions, weight, or attachments differ from standard
Operators must reference the capacity chart whenever any variable — load weight, dimensions, or attachments — changes from the standard rating.
Question 5: A forklift's capacity plate is missing or illegible. What should the operator do?
- Estimate capacity based on experience and proceed
- Take the forklift out of service until the plate is replaced (Correct answer)
- Use the capacity of a similar forklift model as a guide
- Reduce all loads by 25% as a safety margin
Correct answer: Take the forklift out of service until the plate is replaced
OSHA requires capacity plates to be present and legible; a forklift with a missing or unreadable plate must be removed from service.
Question 6: Which load configuration would likely REDUCE a forklift's effective capacity the most?
- A compact, dense load centered on 24-inch forks
- A long, uniformly dense load on standard forks raised to maximum height (Correct answer)
- A lightweight load positioned close to the mast
- A standard pallet load at ground level with no attachments
Correct answer: A long, uniformly dense load on standard forks raised to maximum height
A long load (greater load center) raised to maximum height combines two capacity-reducing factors simultaneously.
Question 7: What information does a forklift's data plate NOT typically include?
- Maximum travel speed on ramps (Correct answer)
- Tire type (pneumatic or cushion)
- Rated capacity at specified load center
- Attachment model and capacity deduction
Correct answer: Maximum travel speed on ramps
Data plates include capacity, load center, tire type, and attachment data — travel speed limits are not listed on the data plate.
CFA Load Center & Capacity Limits 3
A forklift is rated at 8,000 lbs with a 24-inch load center.
The actual load center is 48 inches.
Using the basic capacity reduction formula, approximately what is the adjusted capacity?