Scissor Lifts, Bendi, Combi, VNA etc... More...
Sign up now and receive a free Clark jacket
These are powered industrial trucks that are made use of in lifting and transportation of materials for different applications. There development came about during the 19th century. The forklift can be known by different names, depending on their uses. Examples of these names are; lift trucks, fork trucks, stacker trucks or trailer loaders. They are mostly used by manufacturers and in the warehousing industry.
The first forklifts were discovered during the period between the mid 19th century and early 20th century. This was during the construction of Pennsylvania railroad in 1906. Platform trucks that were battery powered were introduced to aid in movement of goods. Due to labor shortages during world war one, the trucks were again used. This was the introduction of forklifts.
There are two main types of forklift; those that can handle light loads and those dealing with heavy loads. The light ones include walkie stalkers, side loaders, hand pallet trucks and towing tractors. They are meant for light loads and should not be overloaded. Examples of the big types are truck mounted forklifts, telescopic handlers and walkie order picking trucks.
The forklift is available in different variations and capacities of load. Most of the time the lighter versions are used in warehouse applications. The larger ones are made use of in the shipping industry. In the course of operation, the operator is able to tilt the mast to make up for the bending of the load, which would avert the risk of slipping.
To increase the ease with which the machine can be maneuvered, most have rear steering wheels. This comes in handy when negotiating corners. They are unstable because they have varying centers of gravity. Negotiation of sharp corners should be avoided.
There are specialized forklifts. In this category are articulated counterbalance trucks and explosion proof trucks. Explosion proof trucks are used in factories dealing with flammable materials.