The rated lift capacity describes the weight of the load the forklift is capable of at a given load center. For example a fork attachment will have an effect on the actual lift capacity. If possible, it is best to leave some room between the rated lift capacity and the actual weight of the loads to be handled.

Free lift indicates the height up to which the load can be lifted before the forklift mast starts to rise. Free lift is useful in spaces with limited height, e.g. when unloading or loading a container.

Each forklift has a manufacturer-defined load center. The distance indicates the dimension from the base of the forks to the center of gravity of the load. The load centre of gravity affects the actual lift capacity of the forklift. Depending on the forklift, a 100 mm change in load center can affect by hundreds of kilograms on the actual lift capacity at maximum lift height.

In the case of warehouse equipment transport length also takes the length of the forks into account .