TYPICAL COUNTERBALANCE TRUCKS HAVE WEIGHT CAPACITIES UNDER 1500 LBS. IS THIS DONE FOR SAFETY REASONS?
Yes, compact counterweight stackers are used for near or flush loading & unloading of tool and dies in confined areas. Stabilizing outriggers (as used on other types of stackers) would get in the way so a counterbalance truck relies instead on "counterbalanced" weight in back for stability. A heavier load exceeding 1500 lbs would require more ballast in the form of truck length or mass to prevent tipping at a raised height. Rated capacities are factored on load centers, maximum load weights, lifting heights, truck length and counteracting steel plates.