Finding the right forklift is not as difficult as some people might suggest. There are however a number of vital factors that you will need to take into consideration. Some of these include the forklift certification and the forklift capacity. You'll also need to consider the terrain where you'll be working. Ultimately, the forklift you choose will fall under one of three categories: Manual, Electric or Internal combustion.
• Manual Forklifts: Manual Forklifts are the simplest units that you'll find. This however does not mean that they are inefficient. They are commonly found in places where power and mobility are not high factors e.g. retail outlet or stores. The fork lift capacity of manual forklifts is significantly lower than those found with other categories. They are commonly used in lifting items that weigh below 5000 pounds.
• Electric Forklifts: Like the name suggests, electric forklifts are powered by batteries which need to be charged regularly. They do not generally have as much power as internal combustion engines. The fork lift capacity is however higher than those of manual forklifts. Electric forklifts are capable of lifting items that weigh as much as 15,000 pounds. There are several benefits to using electric forklifts. Electric forklifts are ideal for indoor use. Because they are not powered by fuel, they do not produce any significant pollutants which might be worsened by the lack of a good ventilation system. They are also significantly quieter than gas powered lifts.
• IC Forklifts: Internal combustion(IC) forklifts are powered by fuel sources such as diesel, gasoline, liquid propane or natural gas (compressed). Units within this category have the highest fork lift capacity and are capable of lifting items ranging from 10,000 pounds to 80,000 pounds and up. IC forklifts are better suited to outdoor use because of their size and lifting capacity and they do emit exhaust fumes which is not an imminent health issue in outdoor usage. They are designed to overcome unique terrain and are more resistant to the effects of the weather.
Forklifts are invaluable tools but they can also be dangerous if used wrongly. Because of this, forklift operators are expected to be trained and certified in line with the safety guidelines of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). During their training program, forklift operators learn how to work with a forklift. They are also trained on vital areas such as the importance of load centering, the right balance and straight pallet stacking.
However, even with the fundamental training, it still takes a lot of experience to correctly identify the right fork lift for a task. Fortunately, there are a number of online services with tools that operators can use in determining the right fork lift capacity. One of these is the Lift Truck Capacity Calculator and the capacity consulting service offered by Professional Forklift Engineering Services.
Thanks to the support of the computing application provided by the site, it is possible for operators to compile all the factors related to a forklift and then use this in accurately calculating the fork lift capacity. The application was developed by a team of engineers with many years of experience gained from working with some of the biggest fork-lift manufactures in the world. For more information about the program, visit http://www.lifttruckcapacitycalculator.com
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There are a multitude of factors that affect the lifting capacity of a forklift and these parameters, which are indicated on the capacity data plate, include:
- Make or Manufacturer
- Model
- Power Source
- Battery Weight (for electrics)
- Tire Type
- Tire Size
- Mast Lift Height
- Mast Carriage Type
- Attachment(s) Type
- Attachment(s) model
- Load Center of Gravity (CG or LC)
If any of these parameters are changed, particularly the attachments on the forklift carriage or the load center, the capacity plate should be checked for accuracy to ensure safe load handling.
Forklift attachments include anything that is attached to the front carriage of a forklift or is attached to an attachment on the forklift. A typical forklift attachment configuration might include a hang-on side shifter and two forks. In this case, if the forks are removed and longer forks are added, the capacity of the machine could be drastically reduced. Or if the forklift is used to pick up a fork mounted attachment, such as a drum handler or fork extensions, then a capacity data plate must be changed or added to reflect the new configuration. OSHA forklift safety regulations state that a forklift must have a legible capacity plate to reflect any attachment used on the lift.
Lift height or maximum fork height (MFH) has a significant effect on a forklift’s load carrying capacity, and forklifts with high masts will have a greater carrying capacity at lower lift heights than at the maximum lift height. For this reason forklifts with very high masts may have a dual capacity rating on the data plate; a maximum capacity up to a mid level lift height, and a lower capacity rating at the maximum lift height. This allows the forklift operator to work with heavier loads at low heights, i.e. loading and unloading trucks, cross-docking, etc., while using the same forklift to put away lighter loads to high storage locations.
Because a forklift is using leverage to lift a load, any condition that adds weight to the front of the forklift and causes the load center (LC or CG) of the load to be moved further away from the forklift will contribute to a reduction in the residual carrying capacity of the machine. Forklift attachments can cause these reductions, as well as the dimensions of the load and the load handling conditions. Load center typically refers to the horizontal distance to the load CG and is typically half the length of the load for symmetrical objects. To illustrate how attachments and load CG’s can affect residual carrying capacity, consider for example that a particular forklift with only forks on the carriage is rated at 5,000 lb capacity @ 24” load center on the data plate. This forklift will only be rated at 1,270 lb when equipped with a particular 8 foot long fork mounted jib boom because the boom adds weight and moves the load center out to 96 inches. In this case the forklift may employ a dual load center capacity rating on the capacity plate indicating a greater lifting capacity (2,750 lb) at a 4 foot load center and a lower capacity (1,270 lb) at the 8 foot load center.
Small changes in load center can also greatly affect the carrying capacity. Consider the capacity of the same 5,000 lb forklift with 48” forks and rated at a 24” load center, drops to 3,660 lbs when 72” fork extensions are employed to lift a 6 foot long load.
The main thing to consider is that every forklift has a legible capacity plate that accurately reflects the attachment configuration being used at the correct load center for the load being lifted and contact Professional Forklift Engineering Services at www.LiftTruckCapacityCalculator.com to check your lift capacity and get a professional engineering (PE) certified capacity rating plate on your forklift today.
"Employers who are cited for repeat violations demonstrate a lack of commitment to workplace safety and health standards. Deficient forklifts and improperly handled chemicals can lead to serious injuries or death,"said Diane Turek, director of OSHA's Chicago North office in Des Plaines. "All employers must take the necessary steps to eliminate hazards from the workplace."
Four repeat violations with proposed penalties of $132,000 have been cited,including exposing workers to hazards by allowing them to operate forklifts that remained in service even after deficiencies were noted; exposing workers' eyes, faces and hands to corrosive chemicals without providing suitable eyewash facilities; and failing to develop an emergency response plan and conduct fire extinguisher training. A repeat violation exists when an employer previously has been cited for the same or a similar violation of a standard, regulation, rule or order at any other facility in federal enforcement states within the last five years. The company was cited for the same violations at numerous facilities between 2006 and 2011.
Central Transport also has been cited for eight serious violations with proposed penalties of $30,800, including failing to train and evaluate forklift drivers, maintain forklift name plates in legible condition, label hazardous material containers, maintain the mechanic shop maintenance area in a dry condition, provide workers with training on hazardous chemicals and provide material data safety sheets for workers' reference. A serious violation occurs when there is substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result from a hazard about which the employer knew or should have known.
Finally, the company has been cited for five other-than-serious violations with $2,000 in proposed penalties for failing to maintain the OSHA 300 injury and illness log, maintain fire extinguishers, illuminate exit signs and unlock a fire exit door. An other-than-serious violation is one that has a direct relationship to job safety and health, but probably would not cause death or serious physical harm.
The citations can be viewed at http://www.osha.gov/ooc/citations/CentralTransport_77120_1205_11.pdf*.
Central Transport, a national freight company based in Warren, Mich., has 15 business days from receipt of the citations to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA's Chicago North area director in Des Plaines or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
To ask questions, obtain compliance assistance, file a complaint, or report workplace hospitalizations, fatalities or situations posing imminent danger to workers, the public should call OSHA's toll-free hotline at 800-321-OSHA (6742) or the agency's Chicago North office at 847-803-4800.
Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA's role is to ensure these conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov.
