. . Explanation of forklift terms Load capacity and load center The load capacity of a forklift truck varies depending on the horizontal distance between the vertical surface of the forks and the center of gravity of the load. A forklift truck is equipped with a load chart indicating this relationship between the distance and the load capacity. The X shown on this load chart is called the load center, and the Y which corresponds to the X is the maximum load capacity. Dimension . . Maximum fork height The maximum fork height denotes the height from the ground to the upper surfaces of the forks when the forks are raised to their highest position with the mast positioned vertically. Free lift The free lift is the maximum lifting height of the forks with the mast position remaining unchanged. Overall length With forks: The length from the front end of the forks to the rear end of the truck body. Without forks: The overall length minus the length of the forks, i.e., the length from the vertical surface of the forks to the rear of the truck body. Overall width The maximum width of a forklift truck with the steering wheel set in the straight ahead position. Overall height The height to the top of the forklift truck. The mast overall height is classified in two categories: mast extended overall height when the forks are fully raised and mast lowered height the forks are fully lowered. The mast lowered overall height must be compared to the height of the overhead guard. This dimension is essential when judging whether or not a forklift truck will be able to pass through and entrance to a building or some structure. Wheelbase . . The horizontal distance between the centers of the ...
