What is the SWL for the 11k forklift at a 36 inch load center?

What is the SWL for the 11k forklift at a 36 inch load center?

• A. 7000 lbs/48"
• B. 9300 lbs/36"
• C. 7000 lbs/36"
• D. 9300 lbs/48"

Answer: (B)

When a forklift lifts a load, the distance from the forks to the load center acts as a lever arm. The farther the load center is from the forks, the greater the tipping moment the forklift must resist, so the safe working load (SWL) decreases as the load center increases. For a forklift rated around 11,000 pounds, the manufacturer’s capacity chart shows that at a 36-inch load center the SWL is 9,300 pounds. This reflects the de-rating from the base capacity to account for the longer lever arm. If the load center were extended further to 48 inches, the SWL would drop even more (to around 7,000 pounds in typical charts). The 9,300 pounds at 36 inches is the rating that matches that load center, while the other options either assume a larger de-rating at 36 inches or a different load center.

When a forklift lifts a load, the distance from the forks to the load center acts as a lever arm. The farther the load center is from the forks, the greater the tipping moment the forklift must resist, so the safe working load (SWL) decreases as the load center increases. For a forklift rated around 11,000 pounds, the manufacturer’s capacity chart shows that at a 36-inch load center the SWL is 9,300 pounds. This reflects the de-rating from the base capacity to account for the longer lever arm. If the load center were extended further to 48 inches, the SWL would drop even more (to around 7,000 pounds in typical charts). The 9,300 pounds at 36 inches is the rating that matches that load center, while the other options either assume a larger de-rating at 36 inches or a different load center.