Forklift Operating Surfaces

The surface your forklift operates on plays a crucial role in its performance and safety. ProLift shares how different surfaces impact forklift handling and what you should consider to ensure optimal operation.

Forklifts are called “heavy equipment” for good reason. An unloaded standard forklift at 5,000 lbs of rated lift capacity weighs 9,000 lbs. With a load, the forklift weight can increase to 14,000 lbs.

Forklift Pressure On Floor Surfaces

It’s not uncommon to see blacktop damaged by repeated forklift traffic. When carrying a maximum capacity load, a standard forklift using a set of solid rubber tires may exert as much as 350 lbs per square inch on the front axle tires. Concrete flooring has a general load limit of 500 lbs per square inch. These numbers prove there isn’t much room for surplus capacity when forklifts are involved.

While these figures provide a clear illustration that heavy forklift traffic can damage surfaces like blacktop, it’s always wise to consult specific load ratings for the forklift model and surface specifications to ensure accuracy for your context.

Trailer Floor Hazards

Trailer floors are another concern. Operators should be trained to be aware of these hazards and tag out the trailer:

Light coming through the floorboards
Cracked, dry rotted or loose flooring
Improper floor repairs, including bolted plates or nailed on plywood

Forklift Data Tag

To be confident about a floor design and the weight it can handle, consult a structural engineer*. ProLift can also provide data on a model’s floor loading specifications.

(*) The following data is dependent on sub-structure, steel reinforcement, concrete grade and thickness. A structural engineer should always be consulted.

Contact a ProLift sales consultant for information regarding a Toyota Forklift model's floor loading specifications.