When using a forklift load chart, which factors must you determine and compare to ensure the lift is within rated capacity?

• A. Load weight, load centre, carriage position and mast height
• B. Load weight and load centre only
• C. Load weight and mast height
• D. Load centre and carriage position

Answer: (A)

Capacity on a forklift load chart depends on how the load interacts with the machine’s geometry at the moment you lift. To stay within rated capacity, you must know four things and compare them to the chart.

First, the load weight you plan to lift. Heavier loads push the tipping moment higher, so the chart shows a smaller safe capacity for the same setup. Second, the load centre, which is how far the load’s weight is from the face of the forks. A larger load centre increases the lever arm and reduces the safe capacity. Third, the carriage position, meaning how far forward or back the forks are extended. Moving the carriage forward increases the lever arm to the front axle and lowers the allowable load. Fourth, the mast height at which you’ll lift. Raising the mast changes the load’s vertical position and how tilting of the mast affects stability, and the chart provides different capacities for different mast heights.

Because the rated capacity is tied to all four factors at once, you determine the actual load weight and its centre, set the carriage to the planned position, and note the mast height, then check the chart to ensure the load value is within the listed capacity for that exact combination. This is why just knowing weight or just knowing centre isn’t enough—the chart accounts for how each factor changes stability and tipping risk as you lift.