Which set of information is normally shown on a forklift data plate?
- Model, purchase date, owner's name, fuel grade and service dates
- Model, top speed, turning radius, tire pressure and oil grade
- Model, truck weight, rated capacity, load center and lift height
- Model, operator's name, training date, shift and department
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C. Model, truck weight, rated capacity, load center and lift height
The plate identifies the truck and gives the figures the operator needs to judge a lift: capacity at a stated load center and maximum lift height, the truck's weight, its type designation and any attachments it is rated with.
Reference: 29 CFR 1910.178(a)(3); ANSI/ITSDF B56.1 (nameplates and markings)
A data plate reads 5,000 lb at a 24 in. load center. Which load does that rating describe?
- An evenly stacked load 24 in. long, up to 5,000 lb
- Any load of 5,000 lb picked up on 24 in. forks
- Any load of 5,000 lb raised 24 in. off the floor
- An evenly stacked load 48 in. long, up to 5,000 lb
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D. An evenly stacked load 48 in. long, up to 5,000 lb
The center of gravity of an evenly distributed load is at its middle, so a 24 in. load center matches a load 48 in. long measured along the forks. The 24 in. figure is not the load's length, the fork length or the lift height.
Reference: 29 CFR 1910.178 Appendix A; truck data plate
What happens to the weight a forklift can safely carry as the load center gets longer?
- It increases
- It decreases
- It stays the same
- It doubles for each added foot
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B. It decreases
A longer load center puts the weight farther ahead of the front axle, so the same weight produces a bigger forward tipping moment. The truck must carry less weight to keep the moment within its limit.
Reference: 29 CFR 1910.178 Appendix A; truck data plate