Forklift Maintenance Tip: Don't apply oil or grease to your lift chains...

Whether food or forklift: don't bite off more than you can chew

In this issue, we focus on the safe working load of your machine. This is shown on your forklift's load rating plate, a very useful feature.

Now you know what it's for, there's no excuse to ignore or neglect this important safety item, also known as a capacity plate.

Because forklifts are not the same, every machine has its own individual load rating plate showing a sliding scale of weight vs height.

The less your load weighs, the higher your forklift can safely lift it. The distance of the load from the machine is also a factor.

As you slide the load away from the mast, the safe load-carrying capacity diminishes. Think of the different reactions you get when you sit on the end of a seesaw and sit near the centre.

Even more importantly, take care when there's a new operator. He or she could be used to a machine with a shorter mast, where the height is not such a problem.

This new operator may not at first realise that your longer-masted
forklift carries the load higher and is thus less stable.

For safety's sake, if you have an unusual load, an unfamiliar machine or a new operator, take the time to make sure everyone knows what they're doing.

Sure, it's a bit tedious - but the alternative could be worse!