A cast iron counterweight lowers the center of gravity at the rear of the truck, which improves stability when the load sits at the rated capacity or extends past the rated load center. It pays off on heavy, bulky or offset loads, and it adds nothing to your operating cost beyond the truck weight itself.
What the counterweight actually does
Counterbalance forklifts carry the load on the forks and balance it with mass at the rear. Cast iron packs more weight into a smaller volume than alternative materials, which keeps the wheelbase compact while improving the stability margin.
For buyers, the practical result is a truck that feels planted when the mast is fully raised with a rated load, and a smaller chance of tip-over risk when loads shift during travel.
Which Gangchi models use cast iron counterweights
Gangchi offers cast iron counterweight versions in the 2-ton, 3.5-ton and 5-ton classes, including the 2-ton four-wheel model, the 3.5-ton model with an 80 V 15,000 W drive, and the 5-ton model with a 500 AH lithium battery.
| Model | Capacity | Drive | Counterweight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2-ton four-wheel | 2,000 kg | 60 V brushless AC | Cast iron |
| 3.5-ton | 3,500 kg | 80 V 15,000 W | Cast iron |
| 5-ton | 5,000 kg | 80 V 20,000 W travel, 500 AH lithium | Cast iron |
When the extra mass matters
Heavy pallets that sit close to the rated capacity benefit most. So do long loads with a shifted load center, and attachments such as side shifters that push the payload forward.
If your daily work stays well below rated capacity with standard pallets, a standard counterweight model keeps the truck lighter, which eases handling and reduces floor load. Match the mass to the workload instead of defaulting to the heaviest option.
Floor loading and transport
A heavier truck means a higher load on the floor and more weight in shipping. Check your floor load rating and the container or trailer weight plan with your freight forwarder before ordering the cast iron version.
Frequently asked questions
Is a cast iron counterweight forklift harder to operate?
No. The controls and driving behavior are the same; the extra rear mass mainly changes the stability margin. Operators typically notice a more planted feel under load.
Does the counterweight reduce the battery runtime?
Moving extra weight uses slightly more energy, but the effect on runtime is small in normal duty. State your shift hours and the supplier can size the battery accordingly.
Can I order a cast iron counterweight on a smaller truck?
Gangchi offers cast iron versions in specific classes. For other capacities, confirm the configuration options with the supplier based on your final specification.
Why choose cast iron over a standard counterweight?
Cast iron provides more mass per unit of volume, which keeps the truck compact while improving stability. It suits heavy and offset loads where that margin pays off.
Does the extra weight affect shipping cost?
Yes, the truck is heavier, so ocean freight and any axle load limits should be reviewed with your forwarder when planning the order.
Tell the inquiry team your heaviest pallet weight, pallet dimensions and any attachments you use, and ask whether the cast iron counterweight version is recommended for your loads before you finalize the model.