About Forklifts and All Things That Relate to forklifts

A forklift is a motorized vehicle powered by an engine that runs on electric batteries, gasoline or petroleum. Industries such as warehouses, lumberyards, construction, discount stores, factories, shipyards and others use forklifts to transport materials from one place to another. Materials can be anything from finished retail merchandise to lumber, tools, agricultural products, engine parts, paper, and many others.

Electric forklifts are used in indoor settings, since these do not emit toxic fumes, and are typically smaller and better suited for indoor environments. Gas and petroleum powered forklifts are usually much larger and better suited to extreme lifting requirements, such as concrete pipes, bricks and pallets of timber, to name a few.

Capacities can range from 500 pounds all the way to 50,000 pounds, and can lift loads as high as 45 feet, depending on the type of machine being operated. Some are equipped with vertical masts, typically used on large construction jobs requiring extreme materials handling operations, or swing masts, typically used in areas with narrow aisles and with smaller loads to be moved. In addition, there are 5 classes of forklifts: Class One can be a 3-wheeled, with electric motors, and have pneumatic or cushioned tires. Class Two are also battery-powered and are well suited to narrow aisle transports, and typically are equipped with swing masts. Class Three forklifts include electric and are much smaller. The operator operates the forklift by standing behind it to drive it when loading materials onto shelves. Class Four have a cab and are powered by gasoline or petroleum, and can have solid tires, as opposed to pneumatic.

Forklift safety features include: seat belts, warning lights and backup alarms, safety rails, cages, tilt wheels for better maneuverability when working, among others. Many can also be equipped with various attachments, such as a shooting boom, to boost its height capacity. When choosing a forklift, some things to consider are: typical load content and weight, suitability to work environment, frequency of materials handling tasks, attachments and accessories needed and cost. Warranties, service packages, parts availability and name recognition are also
factors when considering a purchase.

Types of forklift trucks include the following: electric, extended reach, propane and gas-powered, four-wheel drive, rough terrain (construction), and narrow-aisle forklifts. Many come equipped with attachments and equipment, such as lifting hoists, pallet jacks, work platforms, batteries, construction booms (articulating and straight mast), hydraulic and truck-mounted cranes, and aerial and materials lifts. There are thousands of forklifts available at companies around the world for sale or rental. Many popular brands include Caterpillar, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Hyster, Drexel, Hyundai and Kumatsu, among others. There’s sure to be a forklift right for you and your materials handling
tasks.

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