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Loading and unloading platforms, integral to modern logistics and warehousing, are designed and regulated according to specific standards that vary by region. In China, the design and performance specifications primarily adhere to the GB/T national standard. In Europe, the EN 1398 standard is the benchmark, while in the United States, the ANSI standard governs these platforms. The following provides a comparative analysis of the three standards in terms of load-bearing capacity, safety protocols, and design criteria.
1. Carrying capacity calculation method
Category |
Chinese Standard (GB/T) |
European Standard (EN1398) |
American Standard (ANSI) |
Static Load |
Combined with actual working conditions, static load = dynamic load × safety factor 1.3 or higher. |
Typically 1.4 times the dynamic load, plus a safety factor of 1.33 to calculate static load. |
Static load is directly calculated as: gross vehicle weight (GVW) × factor (2.5–4). |
Dynamic Load |
Calculated as the actual pressure on the platform caused by the forklift’s movement and cargo.Calculated as the actual pressure on the platform caused by the forklift's movement and cargo. |
Focuses on dynamic loads, emphasizing platform pressure during operation. |
No dynamic loads are used; only static loads are considered. |
Rated Load Capacity |
Combines static and dynamic loads, requiring verification through various working conditions. |
Includes the total weight of the forklift, driver, and cargo. |
Based on static load capacity, primarily considering the gross vehicle weight (GVW). |
2. Design Restrictions and Safety Standards
Category |
Chinese Standard (GB/T) |
European Standard (EN1398) |
American Standard (ANSI) |
Maximum Gradient |
Not exceeding 10–12%; customized design for steeper angles in special conditions. |
Maximum gradient is 12.5%. |
Generally no specific limit, but emphasizes platform horizontal stability. |
Minimum Wheel Contact Area |
≥150x150mm; adjustments required for special vehicles. |
Each wheel must have a contact area ≥150x150mm (suitable for soft tires). |
No specific requirement, but safety evaluation is based on forklift type. |
Maximum Driving Speed |
Maximum speed on the platform is 5 km/h; reduced speed required for hazardous cargo. |
Maximum speed is 5 km/h; further reduction required for hazardous cargo. |
No unified speed regulation, but low-speed operation is recommended for safety. |
Material Requirements |
Flexible steel selection; materials chosen based on budget and application scenarios. |
Materials must comply with EU standards, focusing on durability and environmental adaptability. |
Emphasizes impact resistance and durability; commonly uses high-strength steel or alloys. |
3. Applicable Scenarios and Conditions
Category |
Chinese Standard (GB/T) |
European Standard (EN1398) |
American Standard (ANSI) |
Applicable Scenarios |
Focuses on customized design for diverse conditions, such as cold chains, high-humidity coastal areas, and chemical industries. |
Suitable for standardized logistics and storage environments, such as factories and distribution centers. |
Applicable to highly industrialized scenarios, especially for heavy logistics and storage applications. |
Customization Support |
Flexible, allowing adjustments to dimensions, load capacity, and performance parameters based on customer needs. |
High standardization, with customization requirements subject to EN1398 guidelines. |
Limited customization, mostly based on standard product specifications, emphasizing strength and durability. |
High-Intensity Usage |
Supports 24/7 continuous operation with structural reinforcement and material upgrades. |
High-intensity usage requires selecting models with higher load capacities, such as those designed for greater dynamic loads. |
Designed for high-intensity scenarios with specialized models, usually adopting static load capacity standards. |
4. Key Features of Standards
Chinese Standard (GB/T)
· Enhanced Flexibility: Designed to seamlessly adapt to a wide range of application environments, from logistics hubs and cold chain storage facilities to coastal regions, ensuring optimal performance across various demanding settings.
· Cost Efficiency: Offers customers the ability to tailor material choices and performance specifications according to their budgetary requirements, balancing both quality and affordability without compromising on functionality.
· Tailored Optimization for Local Needs: Specifically engineered to address the evolving needs of domestic enterprises, providing solutions with an emphasis on superior cost performance and durability for high-intensity, long-term use in local markets.
European Standard (EN1398)
· Stringent Safety Standards: Focuses on limitations for dynamic loads and platform gradient angles to ensure operational stability and user safety, adhering to international safety protocols and guidelines.
· Environmental Compliance and Sustainability: Utilizes materials and design processes that align with rigorous European environmental standards, ensuring minimal environmental impact and promoting sustainability throughout the product lifecycle.
· Advanced Standardization: Engineered to meet the high-performance demands of logistics and manufacturing industries, offering reliability and consistency in applications requiring precise and dependable operational characteristics.
American Standard (ANSI)
· Emphasis on Static Load Support: Engineered to optimize the equipment's overall load-bearing capacity, ensuring maximum stability under static loads. The design prioritizes the structural integrity required for continuous operation in demanding environments.
· Enhanced Durability for Industrial Use: Crafted for heavy-duty industrial applications, this product meets stringent material strength and performance standards. It is designed with superior durability to withstand high-stress conditions and extended use, minimizing the risk of wear and failure.
· Specialized for Defined Operational Scenarios: Specifically developed for medium to heavy-duty logistics operations, this solution is ideal for environments that require the handling of substantial loads. It accommodates the operational demands of heavy-duty forklifts and large cargo, ensuring reliable performance in complex logistics workflows.
5. Summary
Standard |
Advantages |
Applicable Scenarios |
Chinese Standard |
High flexibility, adaptable to diverse needs, cost-effective, supports high-intensity continuous usage. |
Cold chain logistics, coastal environments, high-intensity industrial warehouses. |
European Standard |
Focuses on safety and environmental requirements, highly standardized, suitable for logistics and manufacturing. |
Factories, distribution centers, standardized logistics warehouses. |
American Standard |
Emphasizes static load capacity and high durability, suitable for heavy industrial and warehouse needs. |
Heavy logistics, highly industrialized warehouse environments. |
Conclusion: Based on actual application requirements, you can choose the standard that best fits your specific conditions and industry needs. Customized designs can further optimize performance and usage efficiency. For more information, feel free to contact GEAJIE Manufacturing!