1. Rated Lifting Capacity: The rated lifting capacity of a forklift refers to the maximum weight of the load that can be lifted-expressed in tonnes (t)-provided the distance from the load's center of gravity to the front face of the fork blades does not exceed the specified load center distance. If the load's center of gravity extends beyond the specified load center distance, the lifting capacity must be reduced accordingly due to limitations regarding the forklift's longitudinal stability.
2. Load Center Distance: The load center distance refers to the horizontal distance-expressed in millimeters (mm)-from the center of gravity of a standard load placed on the forks to the front face of the vertical section of the forks. For forklifts with capacities ranging from 1 to 4 tonnes, the specified load center distance is 500 mm.
3. Maximum Lifting Height: The maximum lifting height refers to the vertical distance from the upper surface of the horizontal fork blades to the ground when the forklift is fully loaded and the load has been raised to its highest position on flat, solid ground.
4. Mast Tilt Angle: The mast tilt angle refers to the maximum angle-forward or backward-to which the mast can tilt relative to its vertical position when the forklift is unloaded and situated on flat, solid ground. Forward tilt facilitates the picking up and depositing of loads, while backward tilt helps prevent the load from sliding off the forks during transport. Typically, the forward tilt angle ranges from 3° to 6°, and the backward tilt angle ranges from 10° to 12°.
5. Maximum Lifting Speed: The maximum lifting speed usually refers to the speed at which the load rises when the forklift is fully loaded, expressed in meters per minute (m/min). While increasing the maximum lifting speed can improve operational efficiency, excessive speed raises the risk of damage to the load or the machine. The maximum lifting speed for domestically produced forklifts has been increased to 20 m/min.
6. Maximum Travel Speed: Increasing travel speed significantly impacts a forklift's operational efficiency. For an internal combustion forklift with a lifting capacity of 1 tonne, the minimum travel speed when fully loaded is no less than 17 m/min.
7. Minimum turning radius: When a forklift travels at low speed without a load and turns with the steering wheel fully locked, the minimum distances from the outermost and innermost points of the vehicle body to the center of the turn are known as the minimum outer turning radius ($R_{min\_outer}$) and the minimum inner turning radius ($r_{min\_inner}$), respectively. The smaller the minimum outer turning radius, the less ground area is required for turning and the better the maneuverability.
8. Minimum ground clearance: Minimum ground clearance refers to the distance from the lowest fixed point on the vehicle body (excluding the wheels) to the ground; it indicates the forklift's ability to pass over raised obstacles without collision. The greater the minimum ground clearance, the better the forklift's off-road capability (or ability to traverse uneven terrain).
9. Wheelbase and wheel track: Wheelbase refers to the horizontal distance between the centerlines of the forklift's front and rear axles. Wheel track refers to the distance between the centers of the left and right wheels on the same axle. Increasing the wheelbase improves longitudinal stability but increases the vehicle's length and minimum turning radius. Increasing the wheel track improves lateral stability but increases the vehicle's overall width and minimum turning radius.
10. Minimum right-angle aisle width: This refers to the minimum width of aisles intersecting at a right angle that allows the forklift to travel back and forth. It is measured in millimeters (mm). Generally, the smaller this width, the better the performance.
11. Minimum stacking aisle width: This refers to the minimum aisle width required for the forklift to perform stacking operations under normal working conditions.
