Core Critical Data of Electric Forklifts
Critical data of electric forklifts directly determine their operational capability, applicable scenarios, and safety performance. These data are categorized into four groups: Basic Parameters, Performance Parameters, Battery Parameters, and Safety Parameters. Detailed explanations are as follows:
I. Basic Parameters
These parameters define the applicable scenarios and basic adaptability of forklifts.
| Parameter Name | Definition & Function | Key Notes |
|---|
| Rated Load Capacity | Maximum weight a forklift can safely handle at the standard load center distance | Core indicator, unit: kg or t. Must match the actual weight of goods; overloading poses tipping risks. |
| Load Center Distance | Horizontal distance from the center of gravity of goods to the front wall of the vertical section of forklift tines | Standard values: 500mm/600mm. If the center of gravity of goods exceeds this distance, the rated load capacity must be reduced. |
| Dead Weight | Total weight of the forklift in no-load condition | Affects ground bearing requirements; must match the floor load capacity of the operating site. Also related to forklift stability. |
| Maximum Lifting Height | Vertical distance from the upper surface of tines to the ground when tines are raised to the highest position | Must meet the height requirements of shelves and stacking operations. For some scenarios, free lift height (lifting height of tines without mast elevation) should be considered. |
| Wheelbase / Track Width | Wheelbase: Distance between the centerlines of front and rear axles; Track Width: Distance between the centerlines of wheels on the same side | Determine the turning radius and stability of the forklift. A longer wheelbase and wider track width improve stability but increase the turning radius. |
| Minimum Turning Radius | Turning radius of the outermost point of the forklift body when turning at low speed | Smaller radius is more suitable for narrow aisle operations. Key indicator for forklift selection in small spaces such as warehouses and workshops. |
II. Performance Parameters
These parameters reflect the operational efficiency and maneuverability of forklifts.
| Parameter Name | Definition & Function | Key Notes |
|---|
| Maximum Travel Speed | Maximum travel speed under no-load / full-load conditions | Unit: km/h. Full-load speed is usually lower than no-load speed. Higher speed improves operational efficiency, but site safety must be considered. |
| Maximum Lifting Speed | Lifting speed of tines under full-load / no-load conditions | Unit: m/s. Faster lifting speed improves stacking and picking efficiency, limited by motor power and hydraulic system. |
| Maximum Gradeability | Maximum slope a forklift can stably travel on under full-load conditions | Expressed as percentage (%) or angle (°). Critical for outdoor and ramp operation scenarios; poor gradeability may lead to slipping. |
| Braking Distance | Distance from pressing the brake pedal to the complete stop of the forklift | Unit: m. Shorter braking distance means higher operational safety, affected by the type of braking system (mechanical / hydraulic / electromagnetic braking). |
III. Battery Parameters
As parameters of the core power source of electric forklifts, they directly affect the cruising range and service life, especially in low-temperature environments.
| Parameter Name | Definition & Function | Key Notes |
|---|
| Battery Type | Common types: lead-acid batteries (flooded / maintenance-free), lithium batteries (mainly lithium iron phosphate) | Lead-acid batteries: low cost, heavy weight; Lithium batteries: long service life, fast charging, better low-temperature performance. |
| Rated Battery Voltage | Nominal voltage of the battery | Common specifications: 24V/48V/72V. Higher voltage means stronger motor output power and more powerful forklift performance. |
| Rated Battery Capacity | Total discharge capacity of the battery under specified conditions | Unit: Ah. Larger capacity results in longer cruising time; must match daily operation duration requirements. |
| Charging Time | Time required to fully charge the battery from a depleted state | Lead-acid batteries: 8-12 hours (3-5 hours with fast charging); Lithium batteries: 1-2 hours with fast charging. |
| Cycle Life | Number of charge-discharge cycles until battery capacity decays to 80% of the rated value | Lead-acid batteries: 500-800 cycles; Lithium batteries: 2000-3000 cycles (longer service life). |
| Low-Temperature Discharge Performance | Retention rate of effective discharge capacity of the battery in low-temperature environments | Lead-acid batteries: significant capacity decay below -10℃; Lithium batteries: maintain over 70% capacity at -20℃. |
IV. Safety Parameters
Key indicators to ensure the safety of operators and equipment, as well as core requirements for compliant operations.
| Parameter Name | Definition & Function | Key Notes |
|---|
| Safe Load Curve | Maximum allowable load corresponding to different lifting heights | Higher lifting height means smaller allowable load. Operations must strictly comply with the curve. |
| Overhead Guard Strength | Ability of the overhead guard to withstand impact and extrusion | Must comply with standards such as ISO 6055 to prevent drivers from being injured by falling heavy objects. |
| Lateral Tipping Stability | Ability of the forklift to resist tipping when driving on side slopes or turning | Must pass third-party certification tests; insufficient stability may cause rollover accidents. |
| Braking System Performance | Braking response time and emergency braking effect | Most electric forklifts are equipped with a dual braking system (electromagnetic + mechanical) to ensure automatic braking when power is cut off. |
