A telehandler is certified with a maximum lift capacity of 3,000 kg at a 600 mm load centre. If a different attachment is used that places the load at an 800 mm load centre, relative to the previous attachment, what impact will this have on the telehandler's actual lifting capacity and why?

Question: A telehandler is certified with a maximum lift capacity of 3,000 kg at a 600 mm load centre. If a different attachment is used that places the load at an 800 mm load centre, relative to the previous attachment, what impact will this have on the telehandler's actual lifting capacity and why?

Answer options: ✅ The actual lifting capacity will be reduced because the increased load centre distance increases the overturning moment.

• The actual lifting capacity will remain the same, as the machine's maximum capacity is fixed.
• The actual lifting capacity will increase, as the longer load centre provides better leverage.
• The telehandler will automatically compensate for the longer load centre, maintaining capacity.

Correct answer: The actual lifting capacity will be reduced because the increased load centre distance increases the overturning moment.

Explanation: According to CSA B354.6, increasing the load centre distance (the horizontal distance from the front face of the forks to the load's centre of gravity) moves the overall centre of gravity of the machine and load further forward. This increases the overturning moment, thereby reducing the machine's actual lifting capacity for safe operation, necessitating a deration.