Calculating Lifting and Axle Capacities

Example:

Load weight 4,000 lb

Fork truck weight 7,300 lb

Operator weighs 200 lb

Total load and lifting capacity required 11,500 lb

Type of axle loading “C” (fork truck)

Axle capacity required 9,200 lb

Lifting capacity:

Weight of the load + Weight of transport vehicle + Weight of personnel. In this example, total load and lifting capacity equals 11,500 lb.

Axle capacity:

From the “X” chart: Determine the type of axle loading. (All manufacturers designate groups of transport equipment similarly in terms of weights, and use their own terminology. In this example A, B, C, D are used for types of axle loading.)

On the “Y” chart: Locate the lifting capacity required. Follow across the chart horizontally to the graph line (A, B, C, or D) which represents the appropriate axle loading type and follow the chart vertically down to the axle capacity required. In this example, axle capacity required is 9,200 lb.

X Chart of transport equipment with different axle loading.

Charts provided by Advance Lifts®

Y Chart is used to determine lifting capacity.