​Five Things You Can Learn From A Forklift Nameplate

25th Mar 2019

The nameplate which is also known as the data plate is a very important source of information on your forklift. Just from it, you can be able to pick the appropriate forklift for a given operation. In fact, OSHA recommends that no forklift operator should attempt to operate a forklift that lacks the nameplate because they will be operating a forklift whose limitations or capabilities they are not aware of. In this article we look at five things that you can learn just by interacting with the nameplate:

It's Unique Identifying Numbers

Forklifts come in different models that are engineered with a built meant to meet specific needs. Therefore, every forklift is different and what is used to differentiate between them is usually the model number and the serial number. These numbers are useful when it comes to getting technical help concerning the forklift. For instance during maintenance you can rely on these numbers to get the matching parts for your forklift which will have them operating efficiently.

Information On The Truck's Stability

For most forklifts, the nameplate normally comes with a diagram that demonstrates the limitation of its stability vertically and horizontally by giving you information on its load center. The load center is basically the middle of the forklift truck load taken from its front to the rear. The nameplate will provide you with the truck's horizontal and vertical load center together with the maximum height that it can reach. You can then be able to determine whether it is ideal for reaching a load that is stacked much higher or whether it's weight will make the forklift unstable.

Information on Attachments

You can be able to tell right from the data plate the kinds of attachments that are fitted on a forklift. This is because if your forklift comes with any special attachments the details of those attachments are usually added to the data plate. Such knowledge is important to ensure efficient operations since you can select the truck with attachments for the jobs you handle. It also helps uphold safety in your operations since the attachments are rated making you aware of the truck's limitations.

It's Rated Capacity

Every forklift has limitations on the weight of the load it can handle and this information can easily be obtained from the nameplate. Knowledge of this information will help you to make an informed decision while purchasing the forklift as you will establish it suitability for your operations. It will also prove very helpful to the forklift operators in knowing the extent to which they can go before breaching on safety through overloading. See why OSHA is adamant of every forklift having this information?

Ideal Replacement Tires 

The tires play an important role in the efficient operation of a forklift. However, not just any tires can be fitted on a forklift, for this reason, the nameplate has information on the right tires for your forklift. You will be able to know the type of tire, be it pneumatic or cushion tire and the recommended sizes. This information will always ensure that you get the right replacement tires for your forklift. 

Of course this article does not exhaust all the details you can get from a data plate as it contains a lot of information.What nameplate information are you normally keen on? 

Forklift Tire Company is one of the largest suppliers of forklift tires in North America. We would be very happy to help you find the right tires for your forklift truck. Visit our online store here for great discounts and assistance.