If you are considering making a forklift lifting capacity modification, here are some things to consider. Click on the links to learn more.
1. Legally, any forklift lifting capacity modification needs to be approved by the forklift manufacturer. Learn more.
2. Every forklift is designed with a specific lifting capacity and exceeding that capacity can have dangerous consequences. Learn more.
3. Safe alternatives to making forklift lifting capacity modifications include having a professional do the modification according to the manufacturer's guidelines, renting equipment that is designed to handle the capacity that you need or purchasing equipment that is designed for higher capacities. Learn more.
Learn about the restrictions surrounding forklift lifting capacity modification
Forklift Lifting Capacity Modification: What You Need to Know
1. Legally any forklift Lifting Capacity Modification Needs to Be Approved by the Forklift Manufacturer
According to Ontario's Occupational Health and Safety Act, R.S.O, section 7, if you want to make any forklift lifting capacity modifications, it needs to be approved by your forklift's manufacturer.
Any alteration that you make to your forklift that could affect its rated capacity or compromise the safety of your operators has to be approved by the manufacturer in advance.
If you are unsure about whether or not an alteration is okay or not, it is best to consult with a qualified forklift truck professional who can help you make that decision. In addition, any modification that you make needs to be done by a qualified engineer.
Any forklift lifting capacity modification needs to be done by a qualified professional
2. Every forklift is designed with a specific lifting capacity and exceeding that capacity can have dangerous consequences
Forklifts are designed with a maximum lifting capacity and if you attempt to lift a load that is heavier than the maximum amount, you could have serious and even fatal consequences. Learn more about forklift safety in our free downloadable eBook.
Dangers of Modifying Forks:
For example, an inexperienced mechanic might try to modify the forks on a forklift by adding load-bearing chains to the tips so that they can handle heavier loads. If they drill holes through the fork tips to hold the chains, then the structural integrity of the forks will be permanently compromised.
This is because drilling a hole removes the load-bearing material of the fork. Having holes drilled in your forks will modify your forklift’s lifting capacity, however, it will be difficult to determine what that capacity actually is now.
It’s not a good idea to modify the forks on your forklift
Dangers of Modifying the counterweight:
Another dangerous forklift lifting capacity modification that is sometimes attempted is to try and increase the size of the forklift's counterweight so that it can lift more without tipping over.
This too is a dangerous modification because the counterweight plays a very important role in keeping your forklift stable. If you change the weight or the size of your counterweight, then you will also be altering the center of gravity of your forklift.
This means that making a simple turn or doing a low lift could shift the center of gravity and cause your forklift to easily tip over endangering your driver, any workers in the vicinity and your load.
Trying to increase your forklift’s counterweight can make it dangerously unstable
3. Alternatives to Making Forklift Lifting Capacity Modifications
Contact a Professional:
Instead of modifying your existing equipment and risking the safety of your workers, contact a professional who could advise you about which forklift attachments and accessories can safely be added to your current equipment. It is also a good idea to have a professional do the installation for you.
Rent Equipment:
If you only need to have a modification for a one-time load or for a short period, then consider renting the equipment you need instead of modifying your current equipment. You can rent material handling equipment that is designed for the lifting that you need for both short and longer-term periods.
For example, Wayco offers daily, weekly, and monthly contracts for renting a vast array of forklifts for both indoor and outdoor use with lifting capacities from 3,000 to 80,000 lbs, at highly competitive rates. We'll even deliver it to your location and offer you our rent-to-own program if you decide that you need the equipment permanently.
You can rent equipment with the right lifting capacity
Purchase the Right Equipment:
If you need a forklift that can handle heavier loads than your current equipment, instead of doing a forklift lifting capacity modification, you should consider trading in your current forklift for one that has a higher capacity.
For example, at Wayco we take trade-ins and we have a large selection of quality pre-owned forklifts that you can choose from. Our pre-owned trucks have a great 30-day warranty and we also offer financing on both our new and used forklifts.
In addition, you could also consider purchasing a new forklift. Depending on the brand that you choose, you may find that purchasing a new forklift will give you better equipment that will last longer for you than buying used.
For example, our Hangcha forklifts are priced significantly lower than other brands yet they are just as good, if not better than other brands. Often it makes more sense to purchase a new Hangcha forklift than another pre-owned model.
You can purchase affordable new forklifts with high lifting capacities from Hangcha
Why Choose Wayco?
If you are looking for the best new and used forklift truck dealer, contact Wayco. We fully inspect and certify every used forklift before we sell it to you and we offer incredible warranties, so you can be sure you are getting a high-quality vehicle. We'll accept your old model as a trade-in and we also offer financing.
We are also a full-service forklift dealership. In addition to new and used forklift sales, we also provide:
Highly trained technicians to service all of your lift trucks
Service on all makes and models
Forklift preventative maintenance programs to ensure your trucks are running as efficiently as possible and are compliant with current safety regulations
A full line of forklift parts for any make or model and safety equipment
You can trust Wayco for all of your forklift-related needs. Contact us today to set up an appointment.
"OUR COMPANY SHOPPED AROUND FOR THE MOST COMPETITIVELY PRICED LIFT EQUIPMENT REPAIRS AND RENTAL SERVICES IN THE KW REGION AND FOUND WAYCO MULTI LIFT INC. THEIR REPAIR RATES WERE LOWER THAN THE OTHER COMPANIES OUT THERE AND THE SERVICE IS PROMPT AND PROFESSIONAL FOR OUR IN HOUSE LIFT TRUCKS…[READ MORE]”
