Load and lift
Find the centre of gravity and assess the lift
From the dimensions of the load to the right unloading point
Before you lift, you must know where the load's centre of gravity is — because it determines which column of the load chart you need to read. Here is the procedure: verify the weight, find the load centre (also for combined loads), and read the residual capacity at the actual combination of load centre and lift height.
Verify the weight of the load
Never guess the weight. Read it on the package label, delivery note or supplier data sheet, or weigh the load. If the weight is unknown, it must be established before the lift is planned — the entire capacity assessment is based on it.
Measure the depth of the load in the direction of travel
The load centre is the horizontal distance from the vertical front face of the forks to the load's centre of gravity. Measure the load's depth/length in the direction of travel (the direction the forks point) — this is the starting point for estimating the centre of gravity.
Estimate the load centre with the 50/60/70 rule
For an evenly distributed, symmetrical load, the centre of gravity is in the middle of the depth: load centre ≈ depth · 0.5. If the weight is further forward, use 0.6–0.7. Example: an evenly loaded pallet of 1,200 mm gives approx. 1,200 · 0.5 = 600 mm load centre. This is an estimate — the actual weight distribution may differ.
Symmetricalk = 0.5Heavy end firstk = 0.6–0.7Example1,200 mm → approx. 600 mmComposite load: calculate a weighted average
If the load consists of several items, the common centre of gravity is the weighted average: x = Σ(mᵢ · xᵢ) / Σ(mᵢ). Weigh each item's mass mᵢ and measure its centre-of-gravity distance xᵢ from the fork face. This part is exact statics, provided the part weights and distances are correct.
Formulax = Σ(mᵢ·xᵢ) / Σ(mᵢ)Watch out for a high or off-centre centre of gravity
A high centre of gravity (e.g. a tall stack) raises the overall centre of gravity and reduces stability when the load is lifted. An off-centre or unknown centre of gravity (liquid in a tank, shifted contents) calls for extra care — place the heavy end towards the mast and drive slowly.
Read the residual capacity on the load chart
Enter the load chart with the load centre you have found and the required lift height, and read off the permitted load. That is the binding figure. The calculators »Load centre from load length« and »Centre of gravity of a combined load« help you reach the reading point — but they do not replace the chart.
Make the decision: lift, split up or refuse
If the load's weight is ≤ the residual capacity read off, you can lift. If it is over, the lift must not be carried out: split the load, move the centre of gravity closer to the mast, lower the lift height or choose a truck with greater capacity. For critical lifts, complete a lift plan first.
If the answer on the chart is »no«, the answer is »no« — whatever the calendar says.
Source
Based on Toyota Material Handling DK, »Faktiske kapacitet«; the 50/60/70 % rule of thumb from ltmgforklifttruck.com; combined centre of gravity = general statics (weighted mean); BFA Industri »Trucks« (Oct. 2023).