How to read the load chart

The load chart is a plate in the cab — often on a pillar or by the dashboard. If the truck is fitted with attachments (fork extensions, clamp, boom), you must use the chart that applies to the truck + attachment combination, not the truck's basic chart.

The nominal capacity is the largest figure on the plate — but it only applies at a specific standard load centre and up to a specific lift height. Note both conditions; the capacity without them is meaningless.

The standard load centre depends on the size of the truck. As reference points, capacity is typically stated at 400 mm for trucks up to 1,000 kg, 500 mm for 1,001–5,000 kg (the most common reference point) and 600 mm for 5,001–10,000 kg. Your actual load centre must be measured/calculated for the specific load.

Both a larger load centre and a greater lift height reduce the permitted load. Enter the chart with your actual load centre along one axis and the required lift height along the other, and read the permitted load at the intersection. Both parameters must be included — one figure alone is misleading.

Toyota shows a truck rated at 1,600 kg at 500 mm load centre: at 500 mm it holds 1,600 kg up to 5,000 mm lift height, but drops to 750 kg at 7,000 mm. At 1,000 mm load centre and 7,000 mm height it is down to 460 kg — approx. 71 % below rated. The figures apply ONLY to this one truck.

Is the load's verified weight less than or equal to the permitted load read off? Then the lift is within capacity. If it is greater, the lift must not be carried out — split the load, use a larger truck or lower the lift height so that you end up in a column with sufficient capacity.

Calculators can illustrate the principle, but the binding figure is always the reading from the chart.

Load centre, lift height and attachments change the reading. If you need to lift the same pallet higher, or the centre of gravity has moved forward, take a new reading — the column that was green at a low height may be red at full height.