How to Ensure Forklift Modifications Meet the Right Standards

Between scratches, dents, and replaced parts, a forklift can undergo a lot of changes and repairs throughout its lifetime. It’s also common to want to add additional features to a forklift after it arrives. How do you know for sure if the modification is acceptable or how it will ultimately affect your forklift’s safe operation? Toyota dealers and technicians can help guide forklift operations on appropriate modifications. Here are a few helpful tips based on common misconceptions to help.

ANSI B56.1 Regulations Regarding Forklift Field Modification

One common misconception is that operations don’t need permission to make changes to a Toyota or other branded forklift. While it’s true that not all modifications require approval, per ANSI B56.1 Section 4.2.1, there are some that do:

“Except as provided in para. 4.2.2, no modifications or alterations to a powered industrial truck that may affect the capacity, stability, or safe operation of the truck shall be made without the prior written approval of the original truck manufacturer or its successor thereof. When the truck manufacturer or its successor approves a modification or alteration, appropriate changes shall be made to capacity plates, labels, tags, and operation and maintenance manuals.”

To put this paragraph in simpler terms, if the modification could affect the truck’s lifting capacity, stability, or safe operation, then you should seek prior written approval from the truck manufacturer to make the change. If you’re ever unsure if a forklift modification will require approval, make sure to work with your local, authorized Toyota dealer to confirm. They can also assist with ordering and installing new data plates as necessary.

Some of the common modifications that require approval per this regulation include but are not limited to:

1. Drilling or cutting into the overhead guard or hood

2. Changing attachments, forks, masts, or tire types

3. Swapping counterweights

4. Modifications that affect visibility

UL Rating and Forklift Field Modifications

Many forklifts conform to or are certified for a certain Underwriter’s Laboratory (UL) rating. There are also options available that modify a forklift to meet other UL rating standards so that they can be safely operated in certain types of environments. The UL rating certification verifies that the forklift and its configuration have been approved by UL to comply with these standards.

What many people don’t know is that any change to a forklift’s electrical, exhaust, or fuel system (among others) can void the forklift’s UL rating. Changes as simple as swapping a wiring harness or installing a new strobe light can actually cause the forklift to no longer meet UL’s set standards. Fortunately, many items can be installed in the field by a Toyota technician without affecting UL classification.

If you need to replace an existing part, replacing it with the same manufacturer’s part as instructed by the manufacturer will typically not void the UL rating. For parts being added that aren’t replacing existing ones, it is important that the parts be approved by UL as a field installable option. Manufacturers of approved field installable options for forklifts can be found on UL’s website. These pre-approved parts are specific when it comes to the brand/model of the part and the forklift, so it’s important to pay attention to this prior to making any changes. Just because a part is “UL approved” or “UL listed” does not mean that installing it will not void the UL rating of your forklift.

Finally, if a part is being installed or a modification is being made that isn’t pre-approved, UL can send out a field representative to observe the modification being performed. They may also need to test the forklift afterwards to determine if it meets their requirements and, if it passes, they can grant their approval for it to maintain the UL rating.

When in doubt, it’s best to verify with a professional who is knowledgeable on the subject prior to making any changes to your forklifts. Regardless of the kind of modification, be sure to contact your local, authorized Toyota dealer for professional advice and support throughout the process. And visit Toyotaforklift.com for more information about Toyota’s full line of material handling equipment.