The load centre is the distance from the fork front to the load's centre of gravity. Here's how to find it: measure the depth of the load, use the 50/60/70 % rule of thumb for a quick estimate, and calculate a weighted average when the load is made up of several items.
Introduction
Before you lift, you need to know where the load's centre of gravity is — it determines which column on the load chart you read off. The horizontal distance of the centre of gravity from the front face of the forks is the load centre.
Quick estimate from the depth
Example: an evenly distributed pallet measuring 1200 mm in the direction of travel gives a load centre of approx. 1200 · 0.5 = 600 mm. If the weight sits further forward, use 0.6–0.7. This is an estimate — the actual weight distribution may differ.
Combined load — weighted average
This calculation is exact (pure statics), provided you know the component weights and distances correctly. The subsequent capacity assessment is still an estimate — the final check belongs to the load chart.
The centre of gravity lies in three axes — not one
The load centre in the direction of travel (the distance from the fork face) is what the load diagram asks about — but the centre of gravity has three coordinates, and the other two are just as important for a safe lift:
- 01Along the direction of travel (load centre): determine which column on the load diagram you should read.
- 02Across (lateral): if the centre of gravity is to one side, the overall centre of gravity shifts towards the edge of the stability triangle — direct risk of SIDEWAYS roll-over.
- 03In height (vertical): a high centre of gravity raises the truck+load centre of gravity when you lift, and amplifies both the tipping moment and swing sensitivity.
The load unit's basic geometry — pallet plus goods — rests in practice on a standard pallet, whose principal dimensions are fixed in ISO 6780. If you know the pallet's dimensions, you have a sound basis for assessing where the goods' centre of gravity lies in relation to the fork face.
Asymmetric and offset loads
If the goods are not uniform — a motor at one end of a box, a pallet stacked unevenly, a single heavy item out to the side — the centre of gravity moves away from centre. Two things follow:
- 01Place the heavy end IN towards the mast and as centred between the forks as possible.
- 02If lateral displacement is unavoidable, reduce speed further, avoid turns towards the light side, and keep the load low.
- 03If the centre of gravity cannot be determined with reasonable certainty, the load must be restacked or secured before lifting.
Liquid and moving loads
Liquids in a tank, suspended loads or loose materials that can shift have a centre of gravity that SHIFTS DURING DRIVING — it swings during braking and in turns and can amplify an incipient rollover. Treat such loads with extra low speed, very gentle movements and the lowest possible lift height. Partly filled tanks are worse than completely full ones, because the liquid has room to slosh.
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