Forklift

Forklift

Sometimes called a forklift truck, the forklift is

a powerful industrial truck that is used to lift

and transport material by steel forks that are

inserted under the load. Forklifts are commonly

used to move loads and equipment that is stored on

pallets. The forklift was developed in 1920, and

has since become a valuable piece of equipment in

many manufacturing and warehousing operations.

Types

The most common type of design with forklifts is

the counter balance. Other types of designs

include the reach truck and side loader, both of

which are used in environments where the space is

at a minimum.

Control and capability

Forklifts are available in many types and different

load capacities. In the average warehouse setting,

most forklifts have load capacities of around

five tons.

Along with the control to raise and lower the

forks, you can also tilt the mast to compensate

for the tendency of the load to angle the blades

towards the ground and risk slipping it off the

forks. The tilt will also provide a limited

ability to operate on ground that isn't level.

There are some variations that allow you to move

the forks and backrest laterally, which allows

easier placement of a load. In addition to this,

there are some machines that offer hydraulic

control to move the forks together or further

apart, which removes the need for you to get out

of the cab to manually adjust for a different size

load.

Another forklift variation that is sometimes

used in manufacturing facilities, will utilize

forklifts with a clamp attachment that you can

open and close around a load, instead of having

to use forks. Products such as boxes, cartons,

etc., can be moved with the clamp attachment.

Safety

Forklifts are rated for loads at a specified

maximum weight and a specified forward type center

of gravity. All of this information is located

on a nameplate that is provided by the manufacturer

and the loads cannot exceed these specifications.

One of the most important aspects of operating a

forklift is the rear wheel steering. Even though

this helps to increase maneuverability in tight

cornering situations, it differs from the

traditional experience of a driver with other

wheeled vehicles as there is no caster action.

Another critical aspect of the forklift is the

instability. Both the forklift and the load must

be considered a unit, with a varying center of

gravity with every movement of the load. You

must never negotiate a turn with a forklift at

full speed with a raised load, as this can easily

tip the forklift over.

Normally, to drive a forklift, you'll need to

pass a basic test. They aren't difficult to

operate, although you'll need to be safe when you

operate them. Once you have operated one for a

while, you'll have no problems being safe.

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