Weighing Up Your Options: Understanding Load Centers

Published on: 6 August 2026

In most operations, your forklift truck fleet is an investment that needs to last many years, whether your trucks are purchased outright or rented. This is why ensuring you have the right truck for your application is vital. At Bobcat, we offer advice on a subject that can confuse even the most seasoned materials-handling experts: lift capacities.

The Rating Plate

Regulations state that a truck's rating plate must be visible to your forklift operators, meaning it should be easy to locate on any truck. The plate contains useful information about each individual truck. While layouts vary by manufacturer, all plates must meet specific criteria. The rating plate indicates the forklift's rated capacity, which helps determine if the truck is right for the job.

For example, a rating plate might indicate a 3,500 kg lift capacity. While this appears straightforward, many people overlook the load center, which is a critical factor.

The manufacturer can supply a new rating plate, but it must be fitted by an authorized person on the manufacturer's behalf.

Load Centers

The load center is the distance to the load's center of gravity. If your load is a 1,000 mm cube and the package weight is distributed evenly, the load center is 500 mm. However, if the load size changes to a 1,200 mm cube, it may weigh the same, but the load center changes to 600 mm. This reduces the weight the truck can lift because the load center has moved further away from the truck's mast.

The truck's rating plate may already provide the information required for capacity at a 600 mm load center. If it does not, you must consult the truck's manufacturer to obtain this information.

You should also consider if any part of your load overhangs the edge of the load carrier. For example, if you are handling loads on a 1,200 mm x 800 mm Euro Pallet and your product overhangs by 100 mm on all sides, the load dimensions have effectively changed, which may affect the truck's rated capacity. This factor is often overlooked until issues arise on-site.

Expert Advice

At Bobcat, we understand how important it is for businesses to choose the right forklift, lift the right weight, and reach the correct height. Our team of highly skilled materials-handling professionals is available to provide advice on your application and conduct a full site survey to understand your operating environment.

Disclaimer

This content is provided for general informational and guidance purposes only. It may not reflect the specific requirements, conditions, configurations, attachments, applications, terrain, weather, or operating environment relevant to every machine or situation. Any models, configurations, availability, features, and specifications mentioned are provided for illustrative purposes only and may vary by market, region, dealer, and time. Operators, owners, and customers should always assess the actual working conditions and refer to the applicable operator’s manual, service manual, technical documentation, safety instructions, and product specifications for the specific Bobcat model and equipment being used. They should also consult an authorized Bobcat dealer or qualified professional before making operational, maintenance, purchasing, or safety-related decisions.