Telehandlers have become indispensable on construction and landscaping projects because they consolidate loading, unloading, and material placement tasks into a single machine. Yet every telehandler has strict lifting limits that vary by boom extension, angle, and attachment—and those limits are documented in the machine's load chart. Misreading or ignoring that chart is one of the leading causes of tip-overs and equipment failures on job sites.

What Is a Telehandler Load Chart?

A telehandler load chart is a reference document, typically mounted inside the operator cab, that specifies the maximum load the machine can safely lift at various boom extension lengths and angles. The chart accounts for the machine's tipping point, hydraulic limits, and structural capacity. Every telehandler model has a unique chart, so you cannot apply one machine's ratings to another.

According to Genie, all Genie telehandler fork carriage load charts are based on a horizontal load center that is 24 in (61 cm) from the front vertical surface of the fork arm. For loads with a load center exceeding this value, operators need to determine the reduced load capacity for a specific load zone.

How Do Capacity Zones Work?

Most load charts are organized as a grid or table that cross-references two key variables: boom extension length (reach) and boom lift angle (in degrees). Where those two values intersect on the chart, you find the maximum allowable load in pounds or kilograms for that specific configuration. Some manufacturers present the data as a graphical arc diagram rather than a table, particularly for rough terrain telehandler models.

The rated lifting capacity printed on the machine's body refers to the maximum capacity at the lowest boom position only. Extending the boom or raising the angle significantly reduces the safe working load, and only the load chart tells you exactly how much.

Why Load Center Distance Matters

The standard load center for fork carriage charts is 24 in (61 cm) from the front vertical surface of the fork arm. When a load's center of gravity exceeds this distance—for example, when handling oversized pallets or irregularly shaped materials—the effective capacity drops. Operators must multiply the zone capacity from the load chart by the appropriate reduction factor to calculate the reduced load capacity at a load center greater than the standard.

To apply the chart safely, always center the load on the forks and position the load so that it is completely against the back of the fork frame. Fork length should always be at least two-thirds the load length.

How Attachments Change the Chart

Each attachment—such as a pallet fork, bucket, jib boom, or personnel work platform—has its own weight and changes the machine's center of gravity. Some load charts include attachment-specific capacity tables. Others require you to subtract the attachment weight from the rated capacity. When renting or operating a telehandler with attachments, always consult the attachment-specific load capacity guidance and verify that the correct chart is displayed in the cab.

Surface Conditions and Slope

Load chart ratings assume the telehandler is on a firm, level, and stable surface. Soft ground, slopes, or uneven terrain reduce the machine's effective capacity. Many rough terrain telehandler models have separate load charts for different surface and outrigger configurations. If you are working on a slope or soft ground, consult the appropriate chart section or reduce your load accordingly. On sloped terrain, the risk of tipping sideways increases even when the load stays within the forward-rated values.

Rated Capacity Versus Operating Capacity

Rated capacity is the absolute structural maximum the machine can handle under ideal conditions. Operating capacity, sometimes called the rated operating capacity or net capacity, is the safe working load after applying a stability and safety margin, typically 85% of the tipping load. Always work within the operating capacity shown on the chart, never the structural maximum.

Compliance and Cab Documentation

Any reputable rental provider should have the load chart posted in the operator cab as required by OSHA and ANSI standards. When you pick up or receive delivery of a rented telehandler, verify the chart is present and legible before operating the machine. If it is missing or damaged, contact the rental shop immediately. Operating a telehandler without consulting the load chart is unsafe and, in many jurisdictions, a violation of workplace safety regulations.

Understanding how to read and apply the load chart is essential for safe, productive operation. The chart is the machine's "fingerprint"—unique to each model and configuration. More information about each telehandler model's unique load capacity, lift height, and outreach can be found in the unit's owner's manual. Genie recommends that operators follow all the guidelines outlined in the telehandler's owner's manual.