You surely know what a forklift is. You usually see this small truck where there are shipments, in warehouses, factories, farm fields and even in shopping malls or supermarkets. Basically, you already have an idea what this machine does when you find someone operating it. But, what you know about this machine only depends on what you see, especially if you have not experienced working in an environment that involves the use of this truck. Without this at home or in your workplace means that you still have a lot of things to know.
By merely looking at a forklift, you can just see a truck. But, operating it and making this lifting machine function well needs expertise, too. Without prior knowledge, training, license and experience, you might find it quite complicated to use. An individual, who operates this machine also knows where to get the right equipment. For example, if you are interested to have one for industrial or commercial use, then he can give you an equipment trader list from Sun Equipment which is a top dealer. That is, if you trust your operator and his recommendation.
Anyway, this invention really looks like small cars, right? But, this is a very helpful equipment in various industries, especially in manufacturing and automotive because it carries loads. Before, workers used to carry heavy loads, which really affects the speed of work. And then, if you are going to consider the risk of carrying and transporting heavy loads from, then it is not safe for human beings. That’s why this machine was invented with different types and classes for different purposes.
Types of Forklifts
An Industrial Reach Forklift Truck is an ideal type of machine that can help you a lot when it comes to lifting stuffs in warehouses. It could be a stand-up truck, having two forks located on the front part. They also have a Double-deep truck, but this one has longer forks and is an ideal machine for carrying and transporting multiple loads.
Another type is the Industrial Counterbalance, which is also used in warehouses as well as stores for straight forward operations. Some of its models are designed with three wheels for maneuvering, especially in narrow aisles. While the Rough Terrain is a type of forklift used in construction sites with rough or rugged terrain. So, it is designed with inflatable tires and thicker threads for stability. I suggest you check the World Atlas, a useful content, or overview of a terrain. To know more about terrains, click here.
The Industrial Side Loader is a type of forklift that is designed for narrow aisle environment. The forks are located along the sides of the truck. Of course, it is for wider and longer loads. Another type is the Telescopic Handler, which is an ideal machine that you may use in agriculture purposes. Lastly, we have the Pedestrian Operated Pallet Trucks, which is also used in warehouses or storage facilities. This is designed with hydraulic jack for lifting and transportation purposes at a ground level.
Forklift Components
A forklift’s truck frame is the most important component because it is the base of the equipment. It is where the mast, counterweight and wheels are attached. If you are going to check the rear end of the truck, you can find here the counterweight, which is a cast iron weight that used in balancing the load that the machine will lift. In the case of electric forklifts, it is mounted to the battery.
Another important component is the power source because it is where you can find the internal combustion engine of the machine. The engine is usually fueled by diesel, natural gas, LPG or CNG. Since it may be a small truck, but it is also like other vehicles that cannot run with an empty fuel. While an electric forklift get its power from the Lead Acid Batteries or fuel cells. The page at http://www.altenergy.org/renewables/lead-acid_batteries.html will help you in understanding Lead Acid Battery.
And then, the mast is a vertically mounted component that is designed to lift up and push down the carried load. It comes with interlocking rails for a horizontal control. Lastly, we have the carriage, which is also playing an important role because it serves as the machine’s base. Actually, it is already mounted on the rails of the mast for easy moving upwards and downwards.