Overloading a forklift means that the weight, size, or center of gravity distribution of the goods carried by the forklift exceeds the rated operation parameter range for which the forklift itself is designed. This not only includes the situation where the weight of the goods exceeds the rated load capacity of the forklift, but also covers cases such as the goods being too large in volume, which obstructs the driver’s line of sight, and the center of gravity of the goods shifting, affecting the stability of the forklift.

The Hazards of Overloading a Forklift

Serious Threat to Safety: Overloading greatly changes the center of gravity of the forklift, making it extremely prone to tipping over, which poses a serious threat to the lives and safety of the operators and the people around. At the same time, overloading also increases the braking distance and may even lead to brake failure, thus causing serious accidents such as collisions.

Accelerated Equipment Wear and Tear: With long-term overloading, components of the forklift such as the frame, mast, and tires will bear excessive pressure, resulting in structural deformation and weld cracking, which significantly shortens the service life of the forklift. Moreover, it will also subject the hydraulic system to excessive pressure, causing faults such as hydraulic oil pipe rupture and hydraulic pump damage, affecting the normal operation of the forklift.

Reduced Operational Efficiency: When a forklift is overloaded, it is likely to malfunction due to the excessive load, leading to the interruption of the operation process and seriously affecting the smoothness of the operation process. Even if it does not directly cause a malfunction, the overall operational efficiency may be reduced because the operator needs to frequently adjust the position of the goods or deal with unstable situations.

Facing Legal Risks: In most regions, the regulations clearly require forklifts to operate according to the specified parameters and prohibit overloading. If an enterprise violates these regulations, it will face legal risks and will also damage the enterprise’s image and reputation.