If you are in the construction business you must be aware of the powerful vehicles called forklifts. These are multipurpose vehicles that can be used to move all sorts of loads and goods. It is very easy to lift objects that cannot be moved with human strength. It is for this purpose that it is a great addition for the warehouses and all such spaces where you need to lift the weights. Their efficiency and effectiveness make them a perfect choice for any site.
You can find forklifts in variations of styles and models. You can either buy a forklift of your own or you can get it on rent too depending on the kind of work. If you have never tried getting the forklift before then this guide is going to assist you. It not just introduces the basic features of the forklift but will give a detailed account of the different types of projects that need forklifts. The buyer;s guide is also there to let you enjoy the maximum benefits out of the forklifts.
There are different popular kinds of forklifts available in the market, the popular ones that you may often see running around in different locations.
Warehouse Forklift as the name indicates is a specialized kind of forklift for the warehouses. It is fitted with a twin fork in the front. It works more like the golf cart. It is a great choice if you are always having a long list of articles on the inventory. They are helpful in loading and unloading the essentials. The same can be used to remove and transport the different items for delivering the essentials. The popular forklifts used in the industrial units are able to lift 5,000 lbs. The heaviest of the models can even lift upto 25,000 lbs. These warehouse forklifts are further divided into side loaders and counterbalance forklifts.
Side loaders are used in the steel services where they are used to lift the heaviest loads. There is a sideways compartment for the operator where he stands. The objects are not unloaded on the front or the back but they are actually unloaded to the side. It is due to this unique kind of loading and unloading that these kinds of forklifts are easy to use without turning unnecessarily.
The second subdivision of the warehouse lifters is the counterbalance forklift. It is just the perfect fit to load and upload the weight with the forks in the front and a balancing weight at the back. They lack extending arms. Thus, it is very easy to move the loads directly. Counterbalance forklifts come in different types as well. One of the variants with 3 wheels is just the ideal choice for space where you need frequent maneuvering. With the stand up counterbalance forklifts makes it easy for the operator to jump onto the cabin.
Telehandler is a popular forklift that is fitted with an extendable arm. In this way it becomes a great combination of crane and forklift. The twin forks are such that they can move all kinds of pallets. It is even easier to lift a weight as heavy as 5,500 lbs. These trucks are just the right choice to use in narrow spaces and even odd angles.
Still Forklifts are designed to be extremely safe for operators. All-round visibility including large viewing window in the roof, great stability, seat belt control and electrically heated rear windscreens are just some of the features you can find in STILL forklift trucks.All STILL forklifts sold by us are fully inspected by one of the independent and accredited inspectors who issue a full Health & Safety (LOLER) certificate once forklift is checked and has passed all 29-checkpoints .
Industrial Forklift is used for handling larger capacity weights. It works both as a warehouse forklift and the telehandler. Due to extensive weight and huger size it is not easy to to move it to the narrower or angular spaces. It holds a weight up to 30,000 lbs.
Rough Terrain Forklift is designed for handling the outdoor weight loading. They are known for having specialised tires that are oversized and threaded. It has rendered great balance and stability too. If most of your chores are related to indoor activities then this is a must have application. Most of the forklifters in this category are capable of 6,000 lbs and 8,000 lbs.
Pallet Jack is also known by the name pump trucks. They are meant for carrying smaller weights. They are fitted with small size footprints that make it possible to move into the tightest spaces. Even if the materials are there in tight quarters you can lift the loads as you want. The pallet jack comes in low prices.
Walkie Stacker looks as strange as its name. It is used behind the stacker. It is fitted with a handle that is used for steering the forklift. They are similar to the pallet jacks because they do not have the power, ease of mobility and the speed. They are just the right solution if you are looking for a forklift that is the tall pallet jack. It is much higher than the other similar devices.
Order Picker is a kind of walkie stacker. It can pick and then unload the materials as you like. It can lift the weight up to a height of 32 feet. They are just a great choice to take the weights to the racks. You can even lift individual units to their respective spaces. They are known for their versatility.
Reach Fork Truck is meant for warehouses. It has the key ability to lift the weights with the forks that can be extended. It comes with an open compartment from which the operator can have a clear view of the surroundings thus making it safe for him to manage the weights properly.
According to the different classes set up by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) there are seven different classifications. Before operating the Forklift operations it is necessary to know about each of these classifications.
Class I – Electric Motor Ride Truck
Fuel Type: Electric
Use: Indoor settings where air quality is a concern
Class II – Electric Motor Narrow Aisle Truck
Fuel Type: Battery
Use: Moving inventory in narrow or right spaces
Class III – Electric Motor Hand Truck
Fuel Type: Battery
Use: Quickly uploading delivery trucks across short distances
Class IV – Internal Combustion Engine with Cushion Tires
Fuel Type: Gas or Diesel
Use: Low-clearance situations
Class V – Internal Combustion Engine Trucks with Pneumatic Tires
Fuel Type: Gas or Diesel
Use: Indoor and outdoor with rough surfaces
Class VI – Electric and Internal Combustion Engine Tractors
Fuel Type: Battery, Gas, or Diesel
Use: Hauling or towing loads
Class VII – Rough Terrain Forklift Truck
Fuel Type: Gas or Diesel
Use: Construction sites, uneven ground, high elevation lifting
Like any other device the forklift has different sizes as well. The forklifts come in different sizes and thus, it makes it a versatile equipment.
Standard forklift is 4 to 7 ft wide and has a length of 8 to 10 ft. The forklifters that are meant for rough surface and rugged lands must have a length of 10 ft. The size of compact forklifters like the walk stackers does not exceed 5 ft. It is essential to take care of the site settings. While talking of the size it is hard to ignore the width of the aisle too. If you are getting the standard counterbalance then the aisle has to be 13 ft wide.
Beside the length, and width the third feature that you need to classify the forklifts is the height. The standard height is between 10 and 15 ft. The telehandlers can raise the weights up to 55 ft.
Besides the dimensions here are the features that you need to consider for buying and using the forklift.
Lift Capacity refers to the capacity of the forklift to lift the weight. The same is essential to determine the stability of the vehicle.
Load Center means the distance between the fork and the center of gravity of the load. It varies with the factors like the load, the lift angle, and the tilt angle.
Stability means the stability triangle. It is located under the forklift. There is no need to worry about the load center if the stability triangle is working properly.
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