Which statement best describes the SWL variation for the 11k forklift given load centers 48 inches and 36 inches?

Which statement best describes the SWL variation for the 11k forklift given load centers 48 inches and 36 inches?

• A. SWL is fixed at 7000 lbs
• B. SWL varies with load center, with 7000 lbs at 48" and 9300 lbs at 36"
• C. SWL is 9300 lbs at 48"
• D. SWL is 7000 lbs at 36"

Answer: (B)

The main idea is that Safe Working Load (SWL) depends on the load center distance. The farther the load’s center of gravity is from the forklift’s fulcrum, the larger the tipping moment, so the safe load decreases. Conversely, a shorter load center distance increases the stability and allows a higher SWL. For this 11k forklift, the SWL is higher at a 36" load center (9300 lbs) and lower at a 48" load center (7000 lbs). That shows clearly that SWL varies with load center, so stating those two values reflects the actual performance of the forklift.

The main idea is that Safe Working Load (SWL) depends on the load center distance. The farther the load’s center of gravity is from the forklift’s fulcrum, the larger the tipping moment, so the safe load decreases. Conversely, a shorter load center distance increases the stability and allows a higher SWL.

For this 11k forklift, the SWL is higher at a 36" load center (9300 lbs) and lower at a 48" load center (7000 lbs). That shows clearly that SWL varies with load center, so stating those two values reflects the actual performance of the forklift.