Forklift Counterweight

[Patricia Margaret]

Can the counterweight of a forklift have its weight increased?

 

[BravoXray]

If you’re asking about a regular forklift, as a general rule they are weighted for their full rated weight as designed, so I would say no. On the other hand, if you’re asking about a tractor with forks on the loader, then yes, you really need sufficient counter weight for your load, usually attach to the rear three point hitch. If you give us some particulars about your equipment someone will be able to advice you.

Welcome to the forum,

Jerry

 

[William Matthew]

Short answer: no. The forklift’s frame and steer axle is designed for a particular weight. If you installed a different counterweight (even if it fit) you would a) be operating a forklift not in the design parameters of the ANSI B56 standard b) have a huge risk of damaging something on the forklift since you’re over its capacity. Since you’d be operating a piece of equipment outside of it’s designed parameters, if someone got hurt you may be held criminally negligent.

 

[D2Cat]

Patricia, welcome to the forum. As you can see you got two different answers. You really need to say if you're considering the forks on your tractor, and if so, what model of tractor do you have. Your answer then will be more specific to your needs.

 

[majorwager]

If you’re asking about a regular forklift, as a general rule they are weighted for their full rated weight as designed, so I would say no. On the other hand, if you’re asking about a tractor with forks on the loader, then yes, you really need sufficient counter weight for your load, usually attach to the rear three point hitch. If you give us some particulars about your equipment someone will be able to advice you.

Welcome to the forum,

Jerry

Applaud your reply. Have a 3 wheel hyster, the counterweight for this dedicated forklift is integral w/ the chassis, so no means to increase. Also have lull rough terrain forklift, & as you stated, max counterweight is already designed into the machine + rear axle capacity. A tractor FEL may have loaded tires &/or implement counterweight however the loader relief valve should limit the lift capacity. Those that attempt to exceed the loader capacity have been known to be left w/ a dysfunctional two piece tractor. YMMV

 

[majorwager]

The main difficulty lies in the fact that it is extremely difficult, and sometimes even impossible, to buy an appropriate counterweight that will be suitable for a certain series of loaders.

If you post a specific issue or need, there are folks that will respond to your particular dilemma. The greater your detail, the more applicable the replies.

 

[FTG-05]

Here is an excellent example of how not to do it; warning GRAPHIC!:

 

[D2Cat]

The original poster made the inquiry 4 years ago. Probably has problem solved now.

 

[majorwager]

The original poster made the inquiry 4 years ago. Probably has problem solved now.

D2, Funny you mention that. I would get an e mail notice from TBN years after I had posted a thread or comment. Seldom replied but generally read them out of curiosity. Doubt that is unique to me. YMMV

 

[D2Cat]

But perhaps someone will read the info, see the video, and glean some helpful info. Date doesn't really matter.

 

[majorwager]

But perhaps someone will read the info, see the video, and glean some helpful info. Date doesn't really matter.

D2
Very diplomatic way of helping another member avoid feeling foolish. Been away from the forums for a few years. In the future, will have a look @ the date for original post. OTT likes the traffic anyway. Thanks.