A forklift data plate, or nameplate, is the manufacturer's marking that states the truck's rated capacity at a given load center and lift height, its weight, its fire safety designation and other identifying details.
OSHA 1910.178 requires nameplates and markings to be in place and kept legible, and requires the manufacturer’s prior written approval for modifications and additions that affect capacity and safe operation, with the plates changed to match. When a front-end attachment is fitted, the truck must be marked to identify the attachment and show the approximate weight of the truck and attachment combination at maximum elevation with the load laterally centered.
For operators, the plate is the reference for whether a load can be lifted to the height required. For safety managers, a missing, painted-over or outdated plate is an inspection finding and a citation risk. Retrofitting detection hardware usually does not change capacity, but adding counterweight, attachments or anything else that alters the truck’s stability does, and needs manufacturer approval. See the forklift data plate guide.