All forklifts must be operated correctly and run to the maximum extent.

To ensure this occurs and to provide knowledge of these limitations to owners and operators, all forklifts under Australian Standard AS2359.2 - 2013 must be equipped with a manufacturer's nameplate that clearly defines the specifications of the equipment.

This blog will explain how to read and understand the specifications on the nameplate of combustion and battery electric models.

Combustion Engine Ratings

The first third of the plate shown above details the identification specifications of this machine, including:

Unit Manufacturer

Unit Model

Year of Manufacture

Unit Serial Number

Operators and fleet managers can use this information to identify specific units in the fleet or track the service or parts history of a unit.

This information helps manufacturers ensure the correct service and spare parts are provided for specific units.

The technical specifications of the unit manufacturing unit are listed below, including:

The rated engine power of the unit, which in this example is 31 kW.

Any attachments and tines installed on the unit, the example unit is equipped with a 1,020mm side shift carriage and 1,070mm long tines.

The unloaded unit weight is 4060 tons, without load.

Tire tread width and tire size.

In the example, the mast can tilt forward and backward from the vertical position by 6 degrees.

The table at the bottom of the plate provides the maximum lifting capacity of the forklift:

- Mast fully extended and vertical.

- When the mast is fully extended but tilted fully forward or backward.

All operators must understand and be familiar with the technical specifications of the unit they are operating. In particular:

Understanding the attachment/tine dimensions will ensure that only appropriate loads are taken to avoid damaging the tines or the cargo.

Knowing the unloaded weight of a unit will ensure it operates in areas where the surface strength is sufficient to support a fully loaded unit.

Tire size helps in replacing tires when necessary.

The most important information on the nameplate is the load center; this shows the position of the center of balance where the load should be positioned on the tines to ensure maximum stability. It also shows the available lifting capacity decreases (the higher the mast is extended vertically and/or tilted). This ensures that only properly weighted loads are lifted, ensuring the safety of the unit, the cargo, the operator, and any pedestrians in the surrounding area.

Battery Electric Nameplate

The nameplate of an electric forklift is similar to that of an internal combustion engine.

The listed identification information includes any attachments.

The battery specifications are as follows:

When the battery is installed, the pull and weight of the device are insufficient.

Battery Voltage

The minimum and maximum allowable weight of the battery installed on this machine.

This is important and must be referenced when installing a new battery; it will also ensure that the device only operates in areas with sufficient support for a fully loaded unit.

Similar to the combustion engine plate, the battery plate lists the tire types and tread widths, as well as the degree to which the mast can tilt forward and backward from the vertical position.

This table again shows the maximum load capacity when the tines are fully extended vertically and tilted forward, but this time lists the capacities for two independent load centers.

Please note that for both combustion and battery electric forklifts, the maximum load capacity decreases the higher the mast is extended vertically to maintain stability. For a complete list of precise load capacities at various heights, please refer to your forklift manual.

Damaged or unreadable nameplates must be replaced by the manufacturer. All forklift operators must be familiar with the unit's nameplate before starting operation to ensure their safety as well as the safety of those around them and the safety of property and equipment.