What is forklift & what are the types of a forklift?
Forklifts are the most powerful vehicles to carry heavy industrial loads from one to another in a warehouse or construction site.
They are able to lift a weight that is impossible for a human to even lift up a little bit. They make the everyday task so easy that one can finish work in a couple of hours instead of spending a full day.
Warehouse Forklift
The warehouse Forklift is the most common type of lift truck. You can often saw them in warehouses, where a large number of items need to be reloaded and unload. This type of Forklift resembles a twin extended fork in front of a golf cart.
Hyster 36-38T, the Toyota 3-Wheel Electric Forklift is one of the most popular models of Warehouse Forklift. Normally, an industrial forklift can bear the weight of 5000 lbs. But some of the heavy-duty models can lift the weight of up to 25,000 lbs.
Side Loader
Side loader is a subtype of warehouse forklift. This type of machine is used to lift heavy and long items like pipe etc. they are best suited to narrow aisle working spaces.
There are two versions of side Loaders. The enclosed cap one is suitable for outdoor and a stand-up version is best for indoors.
The multi-way version allows the wheel to rotate on a 90-degree angle and allows transportation in all directions. The driver does not have to reverse the truck to pick or unload the item.
These types of trucks are most commonly used in the timber industry and industries where heavy material like timber, steel, or pipes are lifted or transported in narrow, congested compartments.
Counterbalance Forklift
The counterbalance forklift is suitable for both outside and inside warehouses and stores. The twin fork is attached to the front of the truck that allows a straight forward job. The dual fork uplift and unload the items. However, it’s used is recommended on even surfaces.
Three wheels electric Forklift:
A three-wheel electric forklift is similar to four-wheel forklift. The main difference is that three-wheel forklift is designed for narrow aisles and can easily move up and down.
Telehandler
Telescope handler is also known as telehandler. The telehandler is a joint combination of a crane and a forklift. The extended arms and a boom makes it best to lift the material on odd and high angles.
This type of forklift is most commonly used in construction areas. A standard telehandler can lift material up to 5500 lbs on at least 19 ft in height. Due to its increasing popularity, many well-known start making this type of telescope handler with more weight-lifting capacity. They can lift material up to 55 ft and bear load of large capacity.
Industrial Forklift
The industrial Forklift is a mixture of warehouse forklift and a telescope handler. It is able to carry a large amount of heavy weight up to 30,000 lbs. However, it is not able to reach the odd angles like telehandler or adjust in confined narrow aisles like warehouse forklift.
You can most saw it for transporting heavy industrial appliances. The Market is full of industrial forklift manufacturers. Some models can lift capacity of 36,000 lbs, which is highly impressive.
Rough Terrain Forklift
Rough terrain Forklifts are used for outdoor jobs, especially for uneven, rocky surfaces. The oversized tries to give it a better balance and stability to lift material and sturdy pneumatic tires help to navigate the uneven ground. These types of tries are most commonly used in off-road hoverboards too for stability on uneven grounds.
This straight mask forklift is only made for those who work outside on uneven grounds, like construction sites, etc. if you are more an indoor person. It is quite unlike if you ever need it.
Pallet Jack
Pallet Jack is also known as pump trucks. Unlike all the above trucks, it has a small footprint and small in size. The small footprint and compact size allow it to adjust in tight spaces. It can not lift a large capacity of weight due to its compact size.
The key feature of the pump truck is that it can be powered with batteries and operate manually too. It is the choice of the buyer which one he needs.
However, due to the compact size, limited use, and power, the price of Pallet Jack is very low.
Walkie Stacker
Walkie Stacker, like Pallet Jack, has no cabs. However, the design is very strange. It is not powered with batteries etc. the user has to steer the handle that is attached to it and operate it behind the stacker.
Furthermore, maneuvering plates can reach much height than offered by Pallet Jack but lacks power.
Order Picker
A subtype of Walkie Stacker, the Order Picker, is more versatile in nature. It is most commonly used in customer services warehouses. Due to its design, you can pick one or two unites instead of taking the whole Platte down.
Able to reach a height of 32 ft, this machine is able to carry the items of various sizes. The key feature of the order picker is its Platte-less handles and open space for the operator without windows.
Reach Fork Truck
The Reach Fork is an indoor warehouse truck. The ability to reach in warehouse racks that standard trucks can not do so; this Fork Truck provides a great visibility angle to the operators. The key feature is its stabilized legs and extended fork in the forward direction makes it best for indoor use only.
Benefits and uses of forklifts
forklift comes up with many benefits and uses more than you think. This machinery has replaced many traditional methods and provides more safety and efficiency during work;
Replacement of fuel consumption engines:
Modern forklifts are operated on large batteries, which can last for a good amount of hours. The benefit of electrical forklift is that it is more environmentally friendly, eco-friendly, and can cost less than traditional fuel engines. After every use, all you need to do is recharge the batteries. That’s all you need to worry about.
Less time consuming:
Forklift consumes less amount of time than man labor. Forklifts come up with a wide range of varieties. If you choose a forklift wisely, you can work like a pro and quick like you never before. They are able to carry a large amount of weight without much effort.
Safer than ever:
Forklifts are even safer to use. In the traditional weight lifting method, many labors got injured on a daily basis, they lack the safety gears and some even face irreparable injury. Forklifts are more secure to use, can be operated while sitting in an attached cabin or work behind the twin forks.
Affordable to rent:
If you are an industrialist or new in business and you need forklifts for multi-purpose, you can rent your favorite model for the required period of time. Instead of making an investment on a new one, you can even try a bunch of options before selecting the ones you like the most.
Easy maintenance:
forklifts are the easiest trucks when it comes to maintenance. Even the dealers whom to choose to consult offers to general and emergency maintenance. Because it is really important to prolong the life of machinery. Even they come up with a maintenance plan.
Load Capacity and lift:
Forklifts are compact but have a capacity to carry heavy loads. Different types of Forklifts are designed by keeping in mind different workspaces and requirements. Some models are able to carry weight up to 5000 kg. When it comes to odd angles and height, Forlifts are best to do that job too. Telescope forklift is one of the best examples among all other types. The long arm is suited to lift the weight on high altitude with perfection and high efficiency. The most amazing thing about it is that you can choose the model that fulfill all your requirements.
What things we need to consider before buying forklift:
capacity:
Load capacity is an important element that one should consider before buying a lift truck. Do not buy a lift truck that can accurately fulfill your current load capacity requirement. Always keep the factor of keep growing before making an investment in machinery. Think about 3,5,6 years from now on before making a decision. But do not invest in a truck that can lift load ten times more than you tried.
Size:
Forklift comes with many sizes. So always choose a forklift that can easily adjust in narrow aisle and compartment. forklift needs to adjust in the workplace. You are not going to restructure your workplace just because you want to fit a large lift truck in.
Features:
A forklift is full of with a bunch of safety features, specifications, and design. If you want to purchase a forklift for outdoor use, you will need to keep in mind the environment condition and terrain and choose accordingly. The design of forklift should be in such a way that the operator does not feel fatigued, stretch muscles and safety feature is a no compromise.
Maintenance:
Maintenance of machinery is very important for its good performance and long life. Choosing a reputable dealer provides you with a maintenance plan. And always choose a lift truck that needs minimal maintenance and work for hours without feeling any discomfort.
Safety elements
The safety of yourself or your worker is the essential factor when you are buying a machine. Taking negligence or compromise on this factor is no option. A little amount of negligence can cause lifetime irreparable injury or even cost a life.
Engine type
With the development, most of the machinery is shifting from fuel to batteries. So before making a purchase, always make sure that you are buying the right one, keeping in mind all the necessary measurements on a daily basis. Like, if your buying a forklift that runs on diesel, then do you have diesel or pump near your working area? Also, look for a more economical engine type by keeping all the other factors in the mind.
Total working hours
Key hours and usage hours are the two main factors to determine the performance of a used forklift. The key hour does not give a precise time as most of the parts are not underworking. On the contrary, the usage hours provides a more accurate description of the equipment used.
General parts condition
The general condition of parts reveals its working condition. Always check the basic parts of a lift truck, like dual forks, mask, mast rails, lift chain, frame, etc. if the parts are damaged or deshaped. This means that it has been used to lift quite heavy loads and not going to work for a good period of time.
What questions do we need to know before buying forklift?
Should I rent, lease, or buy?
If you need a forklift quite often, then we will recommend you to make your own purchase, instead of the lease or rent out each time. However, if you do not use it very often, then there is no need to spend a large amount of money on that.
You can rent out or lease it. For more easy decision making, we will suggest you make a list of uses, options and choose the better one.
Should I be loyal to my brand or change brands?
Maintaining one brand has so many advantages. You are aware of all the major specifications, features, pros, cons and operate it like a pro in several attempts. But if you really want to operate something different with a bunch of unique options, then brand loyalty should not stop you from operating it.
Should I rent a model before I take a step toward purchasing?
Would you buy a mobile phone without having a look at it? No right! You should definitely test it first before thinking about making a purchase.
Do you need an electric or an internal combustion(IC) engine?
The electrical trucks are powered by batteries. The batteries are typical lasts for up to 8 hours and need to be recharged once used. On the contrary, the internal combustion forklift is equipped with a traditional engine that runs on a different type of fuel. Fuels like gasoline, diesel, LNG or LPG. An IC Forklift has the capacity to carry over 11,000 lbs of weight.
How much weight are you lifting?
Always make sure that you are buying a forklift that can carry weight more than you actually needed.
Do you want to buy a new or used equipment forklift?
Brand new Forklift can give you peace of mind from the risk of repair or breakdown. However, if you are into business and want to make a purchase with saving a good amount of money, then used forklift can be a good option for you. You can consult a mechanic used making a purchase of used one, to make sure that it is in good condition.
What are the features available in forklift?
There are a bunch of forklift options available in the market with various features. Some are designed to carry heavyweight; some are for narrow spaces etc. from safety features to tires and load capacity, everything is important.
What dealer should I choose?
Always choose a dealer that shows you a wide range of forklift, assess your requirement, and gives you appropriate recommendations. So, always choose a dealer wisely.
Common mistakes while searching forklifts:
when you making a purchase of forklift, always consider the following factors that are important and do not repeat the common mistakes that people usually do:
Buying on price alone:
Never select a forklift on the base of Money only. Forlifts are equipped with many factors that must consider before buying. Money is not the only factor, but one of them.
No trial before making a purchase:
Another biggest mistake is not trying forklift before making a purchase. Always make a list of features that you need, then select a model you want. Rent out that model and try it for a few days in your work condition. Make sure that the same person is operating it for keen observation.
Not buying from a reputable dealer:
Choose a dealer wisely. For buying a forklift, consult a reputable dealer who can not only assess your requirements but only provide general and emergency maintenance. Otherwise, you are going to risk a considerable time period in case of a forklift breaking down.
Ignore the total cost of ownership:
The cost you are going to spend must be considered. Always choose a forklift that is equipped with all the required features and is capable of carrying weight more than you need. Do not compromise on the required features.
Even if you have to spend a little bit more cash, do that. It is much better than thinking of a second purchase.
Not considering a maintenance plan:
The biggest mistake that we all do is ignore the maintenance of gadgets. We all do not even think about it until we face some issues that create obstacles in our work.
A maintenance plan can identify the problem on earlier stage and prolong the machinery life. Ignorance can cost more than money because nothing is more important than your safety.
Conclusion
Forklift helps to carry luggage easily even it can carry the weight above your expectation. If you want to get the best forklift for your casual or industrial work contact Carryupmhe dealer.