Forklift Load-Center Capacity Derate
Net forklift capacity at the actual load center from the data-plate rating, a pass / fail against the load.
Example
You enter
- Rated capacity (lb) 5000
- Rated load center (in) 24
- Actual load center (in) 36
- Load to handle (lb) 3000
You get
- Net capacity at actual load center 3333 lb
- Margin 10%
Details, formula, and sources
Net forklift capacity at the actual load center from the data-plate rating, a pass / fail against the load, and the remaining margin. The capacity plate is the legal rating.
net_capacity = rated_cap x rated_lc / actual_lc (data-plate method); pass = load <= net_capacity; margin_pct = (net_capacity - load) / net_capacity x 100.
ASME B56.1 (Powered Industrial Trucks) and the truck data plate by name; the data-plate load-center method.
ASME B56.1 is a published consensus standard. The capacity comes from the truck's data plate.
Estimate. Head rigger and manufacturer working-load-limit charts govern. Inspect every piece of hardware before the show.
Field names used by the API: rated_cap_lb, rated_lc_in, actual_lc_in, load_lb, net_capacity_lb, margin_pct
- Rated load center data-plate value (commonly 24 in)ASME B56.1 / data plate