How Much Does a Forklift Weigh?

Table of Contents:

1. Why Does Forklift Weight Matter?
2. How to Determine Forklift Weight? 
3. How to Estimate Safe Forklift Capacity? 
4. Can You Improve Forklift Capacity? 

The answer to the question of how much a forklift weigh may not be as straightforward as you may think. There is a multitude of factors an operator should consider to attempt to answer the question correctly. In today's article, we will take a closer look at how to determine forklift weight and why we need to consider it during operation. 

Why Does Forklift Weight Matter?

Determining forklift weight is the first step in assessing whether the forklift is suitable for the job an operator needs to complete. Below, there are four of the most crucial areas where the forklift weight plays a substantial role in the performance of this piece of equipment: 

Transportation 

Calculating the weight of a forklift is an important task when you buy a brand-new machine or need to transport it to a different location. If it needs shipping, such a piece of information helps to estimate the cargo's total weight. 

Surface Damage 

The average weight of a standard forklift is around 9000 lbs. It is roughly three times the weight of a car. Consider that the surface the forklift will work on must be of a specific build to withstand such a heavy machine. There are also smaller forklifts built to work in factories or warehouses. These weigh between 3000 lbs and 5000 lbs. 

Area of Operation 

If the tasks you want to perform with a forklift happen on the ramps, you need to know the forklift's service weight. If the ramps are not sufficiently reinforced, operating may damage the ramps and the equipment. Such operations are also a health and safety hazard. 

Load Capacity 

Load capacity, also known as forklift capacity, lifting capacity, or lift capacity, is the total weight the forklift can hold. Forklift capacity is perhaps the most important reason why an operator must know the forklift's actual weight.  

An average forklift capacity ranges between 3000 lbs and even 70000 lbs. However, it is important to adjust the lifting capacity to the forklift weight. It is the OSHA's (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) requirement that prevents forklift accidents. 

An accurate assessment of how much a forklift weighs is necessary to ensure the machine's appropriate application. Let's move on to solve the mystery of how to assess the forklift service weight. 

How to Determine Forklift Weight? 

The forklift service weight constitutes the actual weight of the forklift. It also includes the forklift's battery and any attachments. However, it doesn’t include any added load. 

How to find out how much a forklift weighs? This task is relatively easy. The forklift's manual or manufacturer's data plate should include this piece of information. 

What if, for some reason, you cannot access any of the above data? If you know the forklift capacity, you will be able to estimate your forklift weight with the below formula: 

Forklift weight = Lift capacity x 1,5 or 2. 

How to Estimate Safe Forklift Capacity? 

The lifting capacity is the maximum weight of the load that the forklift can hold. While determining the weight of a forklift is usually an easy task, estimating the forklift's safe capacity may turn out to be a bit more troublesome. 

The lift capacity calculations include using an actual load center and a rated load center provided on the forklift's data plate. Unfortunately, the data plate won’t state an actual load center. You will have to measure it. It is the length between the center of gravity of the lifted load and the fork face. 

The formula for the safe forklift capacity calculations is provided by the Occupational Health and Safety Administration. The estimation of forklift capacity consists of: 

1. Dividing the rated load center by the actual load center 
2. Multiplying the result from 1. by the lift capacity from the data plate. 

Let's illustrate it with an example. 

The forklift's data plate reads: 

- The rated load center is 24 inches (standard rated load center), 
- Lift capacity: 5000 lbs. 

The actual load center is 48 inches. 

24/48 = 0,5 
0,5x5000 lbs 

Your forklift safe lift capacity is 2500 lbs. 

Can You Improve Forklift Capacity? 

As it turns out, there are ways to improve your forklift capacity. You can do it in four ways: 

- change of tires - dual-tire forklifts or the choice of cushion tires will increase load capacity, 
- lifting at lower heights - the lower the center of gravity, the lower the risk of tipping, 
- change of the battery type - the heavier the battery, the lower the risk of forklift tipping, 
- choice of light attachment - lighter attachment can adjust the weight distribution, extend load center distance and therefore increase forklift capacity. 

Skidsteers.com offers a wide variety of light forklift attachments with weights ranging between 110 lbs and 1215 lbs. Our attachments are made in the United States with all welded American steel. All the equipment our shop carries meets or exceeds OSHA standards. If you struggle to choose the perfect attachment for your forklift and need assistance, please contact us.