How Much Does a Forklift Weigh? Average Weight Guide

In your warehouse & construction sites, it’s a big challenge for you to move different items safely. Forklifts make this task easier for you. However, their weight and balance are important to transport materials safely.

Today, we will explain to you the standard weight of the forklift and how it changes with its model, types and lifting capacity. After reading, it will be easy for you to choose the right machine and handle load without any risk.

Average Weight of a Forklift

A forklift is an industrial equipment, which you can use to transport heavy materials. The standard weight of a forklift is around 8,000 to 9,000 pounds. This weight can be changed according to forklift type and size.

For example: the average weight of a large forklift is always greater than a small forklift which you use for light duty tasks in your warehouse.

Forklift Weight Capacity Chart

Forklift Weight in kg

You can also measure the weight of a forklift in kilograms. However, it varies for each type of forklift. A small manual forklift can weigh around 100 kg. While big industrial forklifts can be over 25,000 kg.

You will find commonly used forklifts weighing between 1400 to 5500 kg. Additionally, electric forklifts are lighter and 1,000 to 1,500 kg heavier. Plus, the total weight changes based on how the forklift is manufactured and what operating parts you add to it.

Forklift Weight Capacity kg

The weight capacity of the forklift will tell you how much this machine can lift safely. With a small forklift, you can move roughly 1000 kg of heavy items. On the other hand, heavy duty industrial forklifts can handle up to 50000 kg.

If we talk about the average lifting capacity of this machine, it is generally between 1000 and 8000 kg. You can see the exact limit on the forklift’s capacity plate. So, you can work in a safe way and avoid accidents while lifting heavy loads.

Forklift Weight in Tons

The forklift, which you can commonly use for moving industrial items, weighs between 1.5 and 9 tons. Usually, a forklift weight is 1.5 to 2 or more times greater than the weight it can transport. If your forklift can lift 2,500 kg, it may weigh around 3,600 kg.

Weight By Forklift Size

The size of the forklift creates a big change in its weight. Because all types are built for different purposes. For example: you can use a small forklift for light tasks, but a large lifting machine is best for heavy load transport.

Small Forklift Weight / Light Duty Forklift

Light-duty forklifts are the most commonly used in warehouses and small workshops. They are ideal for you to lift light materials and easily move them. The weight of these tools is 3000 to 10000 pounds.

But, the load capacity of mini forklifts can also impact how heavy they are. Due to its small size and light weight, you can use it for indoor work, box placement or loading small goods onto trucks.

Heavy Duty Forklift (Large Forklift)

Large forklifts are built for your tough jobs. They can lift very heavy loads that small or medium machines can’t handle. You will see these forklifts in shipyards, factories or construction sites. The weight can be in the range of 30000 to 40000+ pounds. You can use it to move large containers, in metal factories or to move other bulky materials.

How Much Can a Forklift Lift

The maximum capacity of a standard forklift is normally 3000 to 5000 pounds. This range is higher in industrial forklifts as it can lift more than 10000 pounds. In contrast, a heavy duty machine which is built to handle very large materials can lift 30000 pounds or more.

How High Can a Forklift Lift?

Forklift maximum lift height depends on its model, quality and size. The forklift which is made for warehouse tasks can lift loads around 14 feet. For construction purposes, engineers designed forklifts which can lift load up to 8 meters high. Some forklifts such as reach trucks can lift much higher, nearly 59 feet (18 meters).

Forklift Counterweights

The heavy block which you find on the back of a forklift is called its counterweight. With this metal black, you can keep your machine balanced when you lift a load in the front. The size of the counterweight will change according to the forklift’s lifting capacity. Well, small forklifts may have counterweights nearly 1000 pounds.

For bigger ones which carry 8000 to 20000 pounds, you need much heavier counterweights. Furthermore, large forklifts carry counterweights up to 20000 kg (44,000 pounds).

Weight of Forklift Attachments

Forklift attachments are extra tools which you can add to the forklift to perform special operations. Their weights can change the total weight of forklifts. Always remember, the extra weight of heavier attachments can minimize the amount of weight you can safely lift with a machine.

• Fork Extension: Each set weighs 40 – 160 lbs (18 to 73 kg)
• Fork Positioner: 60 kg or more than 700 kg
• Side Shifters: Can be weigh around 50 to 70 kg
• Telescopic Forks: The pair weight may be in the range of 150 – 210 kg
• Rollerforks: Each set weighs roughly 115 to 149 kilograms
• Clamps: These parts can add 55 kg to 372+ kg additional weight to forklift

Weight According To Forklift Types

• Warehouse Forklift

This forklift is helpful for you to move goods inside your factory storage areas. The weight of a warehouse forklift is 7000 to 10000 pounds. This weight can be different for different types of warehouse lifting machines.

• Side Loader

A side loader is a type of forklift which is 7.1 to 14.5 tonnes heavy. With it, you can lift long loads from the side instead of the front. That’s why this machine is more stable and space-efficient as well.

• Counterbalance Forklift

It is the most commonly used type of forklift. The weight for this machine can be in the range of 1300 to 7000 kg. Mostly, you will find these machines 3600 – 4100 kg heavy. It will be your ideal option to perform tasks in the warehouse.

• Telehandler

These forklifts weigh 5300 to 33000 lbs. They work with a long extendable boom. So, you can lift loads to high places and reach over obstacles with the help of telehandlers. You can also attach other tools such as forks, buckets or lifting hooks.

• Rough Terrain Forklift

A rough terrain forklift is built for your outdoor applications to handle heavy loads. You can operate it on uneven or rough surfaces such as construction sites and farms. The weight of this lifting truck can be approx. 2700 – 4500 kg.

• Pallet Jack

A pallet jack is a small and simple forklift that you can use to move pallets and heavy goods. Because of its 150 and 200 pounds weight, its ideal application is in warehouses, shops & storage areas. Weight can be different for electric and manual pallet jacks.

• Walkie Stacker

A walkie stacker is a small forklift and weighs around 550 kg to 1500 kg. Mainly, you can use it to lift and stack pallets in warehouses where space is tight.

• Order Picker

Order pickers not just carry the materials but also lift the operator along with the load. The mass of this machine is 3800 to 8000 lbs. They work better in retail and storage facilities.

• Reach Fork Truck

It is a type of electric forklift and 4000 to 8000 pounds heavy. It has extendable forks and a compact design for narrow paths. Moreover, the weight will be changed according to its model, battery and additional tools attached to it.

How To Calculate Forklift Capacity?

It’s important for you to know the lifting capacity of the forklift before you lift any load. You can check it in the following ways.

1. Data Plate: You should check the specifications label of forklift. It will tell you the maximum weight you can carry with the machine.
2. Load Center: You can lift less weight when the load is farther from your forklift’s forks.

Example: If your load weighs 4,000 lbs and the load center is 30 inches, the load moment will be:

4,000 × 30 = 120000 inch – pounds

3. Attachments Weight: Firstly, check the forklift’s rated capacity from the data plate. Then, you need to subtract the weight of the attachment. After that, you will get the maximum weight you can lift safely.

How Much Does a 3000 lb Capacity Forklift Weight?

If your forklift can lift 3,000 pounds (about 1,360 kg), its own weight is approximately 5,000 to 6500 pounds. But, this weight can be changed on the basis of different models, manufacturing and features of the forklift.

Forklift Weight vs Capacity

The weight of a forklift is how heavy the machine itself is. On the other hand, capacity is weight which a machine can safely lift. Further, weight depends on the forklift’s size and type. But, capacity shows you the maximum load you can carry without any damage to the forklift. We can say that weight is the forklift and capacity is what it can lift.

What Makes a Forklift So Heavy?

You will find forklift always very heavy because these lifting machines are manufactured to balance and lift heavy loads safely. Below are some reasons which make it heavy.

• Counterweights
• Tires
• Strong Frame
• Engine & Power Source
• Attachments

Are Forklifts Heavier Than Cars

Yes, forklifts are much heavier than your normal cars. Mostly, the weight of forklifts is about 9,000 pounds. It is around three times more than a standard car. If we talk about the main reason for such huge weight, it is due to the forklift counterweight.

Jackwin Advice on How to Choose the Right Forklift Weight

JACKWIN is a leading Chinese manufacturer and supplier of road safety and construction equipment. According to our experience, you should keep in mind the following factors while selecting a forklift.

• First of all, you need to assess the load you need to lift. Heavy materials need large and strong forklifts.
• Then, check the area condition where you want to operate the forklift. Because, narrow spaces may require a light forklift to move easily.
• Also examine the type of surface. For example: if the surface is uneven and rough, you must choose a heavy and stable forklift.

Wrapping It Up

Now, you are well familiar with different types of forklift and their weights. The weight of the forklift also impacts the floor it operates on. So, you should always match forklift weight to the ground strength and surface type. For more questions, you can contact our team now.

FAQs

How Can a Forklift Lift Cars Heavier Than Itself?

This is possible due to the design and balance of the forklift. You will also find strong hydraulics, counterweight and a solid frame with this lifting machine. These all make the forklift able to lift a vehicle much heavier than its own weight.

What Does a Forklift Battery Weigh?

The approximate weight of the forklift battery is 1000 to 4000 pounds. This tool is heavy because it needs to power the lifting machine for long periods.

Which Side of the Forklift is Supporting More Weight?

The front side of a forklift, where you lift the load with a machine, supports more weight. Well, the counterweight balances this load plus keeps the forklift stable.

Does Forklift Weight Include the Load it Carries?

No, the forklift’s weight refers only to the machine itself, not the load. Anything you lift is only extra weight on top of the forklift.

How To Transport a Forklift in a Trailer?

First, you need to check the forklift weight and size to make sure the trailer can handle it. Now, you can drive the forklift slowly onto the trailer with the use of ramps. You must make sure the forklift is centered and balanced. Finally, you have to secure it with chains.

How Does Forklift Weight Affect Fuel Consumption?

If the forklift is heavy, it will use more fuel to operate when carrying large items. In contrast, lighter forklifts consume less fuel.