The term “lift height” refers to the maximum elevation a forklift can achieve when the mast is fully extended.
Why does the lift height of a forklift matter?
Lift height is important because it determines how high a forklift can raise a load. This is crucial in various settings like warehouses, construction sites, and storage facilities where items are often stacked at significant heights.
A forklift’s lift height can impact productivity and efficiency, as it dictates whether or not the forklift can reach certain levels. It’s also vital for safety reasons, as overloading or attempting to lift beyond the forklift’s maximum lift height can lead to accidents and damage.
Calculating The Maximum Forklift Lift Height You Require
Source: forkify.com
Calculating the lift height you require for a forklift involves several steps:
Assess Your Environment: Measure the highest point that your forklift needs to reach. This could be the top shelf in your warehouse or the highest point of stacked materials.
Consider the Load Height: Keep in mind the height of the load that will be lifted. In other words, the forklift should be able to lift higher than the combined height of your tallest shelf and largest item.
Factor in Safety Clearance: Add a safety margin to allow for safe manoeuvring of the load. This is typically around 5-6 inches but can vary depending on your specific circumstances.
Account for the Forklift’s Maximum Load Capacity: Remember that a forklift’s maximum lift height may decrease as the weight of the load increases. Make sure the forklift can handle the weight of your heaviest load at your required lift height.
By taking all these factors into account, you can calculate the minimum lift height and maximum lift height you need for your forklift. It’s always a good idea to choose a forklift with a lift height slightly more than your calculation to ensure it can meet all your needs.
Consider Closed Height
The closed height, also known as the ‘lowered height’ or ‘clearance height’, refers to the minimum height of the truck when the mast is fully lowered. This measurement is taken from the floor to the highest point of the lowered mast.
Calculating the closed height is a crucial and often overlooked step, it’s essential to ensure adequate clearance between the forklift’s closed height and any doorways to ensure smooth transportation of your machine and of course safety.