06 Jan Where is the Fulcrum Point on a Forklift

Knowing where the fulcrum point on a forklift is should be one of the first things any operator becomes aware of.

A good forklift is powerful and resilient with the ability to withstand working in difficult and rough conditions.

However, as high-tech and advanced as they are becoming, they still aren’t able to defy the laws of gravity.

That’s why you need to where the fulcrum point is, or in other words, the middle or balance point of the machine.

A counter-balanced forklift will have weight on the back to help counterweight the load on the forks which compares it to a see-saw.

Read on and we’ll explain more.

What is the fulcrum point on a forklift?

The load capacity of a forklift is determined by the load side and load centre.

A load centre is the distance between the forks’ faces and the centre of gravity of the load. A load side is the distance between two of an object’s edges.

To move goods safely, operators need to be aware of the forklift’s centre of gravity and designated load centre.

The most typical load is a 48 by 48-inch pallet. If the load is distributed evenly throughout the pallet, the middle of the pallet, which is where the load is, is 24 inches wide.

Where is the fulcrum of the forklift?

The fulcrum is the central pivot point of a seesaw.

The forklift’s fulcrum is its front axle, where the counterbalance and the load establish equilibrium.

The forklift’s counterweight should constantly exert more force than the load in order to prevent the forklift from tipping forward, which is the sole significant distinction between a forklift and a seesaw.

The forklift’s weight and the weight of the cargo are separated by the fulcrum as you will see in the diagram below.

Know your forklift load centre

All manufacturers will provide a data plate for every new forklift.

This data plate has all the crucial information about the capacity of the load as well as other relevant points.

It is extremely dangerous to ignore the load centre guidelines outlined by the manufacturer and puts you, the operator and your business at serious risk.

If you make any changes to the forklift, it’s also important to notify the manufacturer and they will then adjust the new metrics and provide you with a new plate.

Conclusion

For more information on safe forklift operation, read our Blog with Our Top Tips here.