Forklifts are a common sight at warehouses and industrial parks, playing a vital function in many logistics operations. If you are new to the industry or are unsure which vehicle exactly is a forklift, then this article is for you. In it we will be covering how forklifts are defined by professionals, their uses and benefits.
What is a Forklift
A forklift is described by professionals as a small industrial vehicle with a power operated forked platform at its front. This forked platform can be raised or lowered in order to either secure loads or lift them up. In doing so, operators are able to transport loads with minimal effort and with great efficiency.
Given their versatility, a variety of industry warehouses and storage facilities often rely on them as the primary means of heavy duty transport within the area.
Key Components
A forklift has several key components that enable it to function, they are:
- Truck frame – think of the truck frame as the foundation or body of the forklift. All other key components such as its wheels, counterweight and mast are held together by the truck frame.
- Counterweight – a cast iron weight that is attached to the rear of the forklift. A counterweight, as the name suggests prevents the forklift from tilting over when lifting heavy loads. For some types of forklifts, the battery doubles up as the counterweight. This is dependent on the weight of the forklift and the load.
- Power source – like any other machine, forklifts do require a source of power. This typically involves the use of an internal combustion engine that is powered by LPG, CNG, diesel, natural gas or electricity. Depending on the power source, a forklift will have varying amounts of power, noise pollution and gas emissions.
- Mast – a mast is a vertical part that allows the operator to lower or raise loads. This is an important feature for forklifts as it allows them to reach into pallets are varying heights.
Uses of Forklifts
Forklifts are used at a variety of locations. Their versatility allows them to be an asset at any place that requires heavy lifting.
Construction Sites
Forklifts are an asset at construction sites as they are strong enough to carry hefty building materials across rough terrain. This would include pallets of bricks, construction materials and steel joists.
A forklift can easily unload such materials from delivery trucks and have them delivered to various spots in the construction site.
Warehouses
Warehouses commonly require a forklift for easy stacking or retrieving of goods. Depending on the width of isles, height of stacking systems and any other environmental hazards, different forklifts are used. Nonetheless, they typically have a capacity ranging from one ton to fifty tons.
Finding the Right Forklift
Are you in the market for a new forklift? In that case, you should speak to forklift Singapore suppliers who have a range of different forklifts for you to choose from.
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