Frontal Crash Testing of a Class V Lift Truck

Abstract

Counterbalanced, center control, high-lift trucks with a sit-down, non-elevating operator position are required to have a restraint system. The restraint system is intended to restrain the operator in the normal operating position and assist in reducing the risk of entrapment of the operator between the truck and the ground in the event of a tip-over. This is typically accomplished through the use of a two-point lap belt. This type of restraint also provides a degree of protection in the event of a collision between the lift truck and another object. Lift trucks operate in relatively low-speed environments, and many are limited to a maximum speed of 8 mph through a limiting device or by job site regulations. Though the speeds are low, lift trucks can operate in close proximity to other lift trucks and stationary rigid structures, creating the potential for collisions. The standards governing lift truck restraints do not mandate impact testing or injury criteria. This paper describes instrumented frontal impact and sled testing with a peak acceleration of 51 g performed on a Class V lift truck using an anthropomorphic test device (ATD) to test the effectiveness of lift truck restraints in this scenario. The results of this testing showed ATD injury metrics within automotive safety standards.