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1. Determine The Lifting Capacity

Example:

2. Determine the Axle Capacity

• The axle capacity is the amount of weight placed on a lift as the load and transport vehicle enters the lift. This is the point at which the most stress is placed on the lift, as the weight is concentrated on one side of the lift.
• Consider our example. Looking at Chart X below, you will see that 80% of the load is on the front wheels of a forklift. We need to determine the amount of weight placed on the lift as the forklift passes over the edge of the lift. In our example, that would be 12,000 lbs x .8 = 9,600 lbs axle capacity required. We need to select a lift which meets or exceeds 12,000 lbs lifting capacity, AND 9,600 lbs axle capacity.
• For our example, view the page showing lifts with 12,000 - 20,000 lb capacities. It shows that the 12,000 lb capacity lifts only have an axle capacity of 8,400 lbs. For that reason a 15,000 lb lifting capacity or greater lift must be chosen to meet the required axle capacity.
• If you prefer not to do the math, you can use the Chart Y below. Find the required lifting capacity on the left side of the graph, and follow straight across to the red line representing your lifting equipment from Chart X. From that point, drop straight down to the bottom to find the axle capacity. The example used above has been highlighted in green on this chart.

3. Determine The Size Of The Lift

• Platform Length: equals the length of the longest load plus the length of the material handling equipment extending past the load, plus room for the operator.  As a rule of thumb,  7 feet is suitable for loading with pallet jacks, 10 feet works with powered pallet jacks, and 12 feet can be used for forklifts.
• Platform Width: Equals the width of the widest point of the load plus 12 inches minimum for operating clearance with handrails.

For other questions, submit a lift inquiry or call for fast assistance