Forklifts
Forklifts range from compact models that manoeuvre in tight warehouse spaces to heavy and bulky machines with lifting capacities of over a hundred tonnes, including off-road and ultra-compact models. Forklifts can be equipped with a variety of load handling devices and attachments, including forks, tyre grippers, tippers, magnetic units and more. Since their invention over a hundred years ago, forklifts have become an integral part of businesses of all sizes around the world.
Forklifts. Key features.
- Lifting capacity. Forklifts have lifting capacities ranging from a few hundred kilograms to over a hundred tonnes. There are models with the right lifting capacity for every application.
- Centre of gravity. As the distance of the centre of gravity of the goods from the load carriage increases, the leverage effect increases. Therefore, in addition to lifting capacity, the centre of gravity is an important factor. Thus, a forklift with a rated lifting capacity of 16 tonnes and a centre of gravity of 600mm will not be able to handle as heavy goods as a forklift with the same lifting capacity but a centre of gravity of 1.200mm.
- Lifting height. Also an important characteristic of a forklift, depending on the mast used. There are forklifts and masts with lift heights from a couple of metres to more than ten metres.
- Mast type. Masts mainly differ on the number of telescopic sections. There are simplex (no extension), duplex (one extension section) and triplex (two extension sections) masts.
- Drive. Due to their popularity, forklifts have the most comprehensive range of drives available today. This includes diesel, gas, battery, hydrogen and hydride solutions.
Advantages of forklifts
- Versatility. The forklift is perhaps the most self-explanatory piece of material handling equipment, understandable even to the uninformed person. In their bulk, forklifts are equipped with standard lifting forks that are suitable for standardised containers such as Euro pallets. Also, loading and unloading of almost any goods is extremely easy to plan thanks to this versatility. Thanks to the hydraulic system, the possibility of accommodating a diesel generator and the same versatility of the lifting forks, the forklift can be equipped with attachments for almost any type of goods.
- Affordability. In the bulk of forklifts sold are mass-produced products. At the same time, there is a significant number of manufacturers on the market at all times, which significantly reduces delivery times. However, specialised forklifts can have long delivery times and require detailed technical approval.
- Low cost. Due to the high competition in the market, forklifts are relatively low cost.
- Mobility. Most forklifts are easily transportable by road, making them extremely mobile and convenient to transport. There are thousands of forklifts operating in rental fleets around the world, and they are regularly transported from place to place.
Transporting a forklift
Depending on the model and purpose, forklifts can be transported either in assembled form by a standard groupage truck or by special transport after substantial dismantling. Potentially, all types of transport can be used, both truck and rail, as well as air and sea transport.
Cost of forklift
The price of a forklift depends on many factors such as lifting capacity, lifting height and type of drive. Also playing a big role are the options ordered and how much the forklift has been customised or even designed specifically for non-standard tasks. Carriage can also play a significant role.
Conclusion
Three-wheelers and six-wheelers, small and huge, light and heavy, standard and specialised – forklifts are deeply integrated into almost all supply chains. This includes companies of all sizes and directions – from micro-enterprises to mega-corporations. Mass production makes forklifts affordable for every budget.
Forklifts FAQ
A forklift is a versatile machine for lifting and moving various goods used in warehouses, manufacturing plants and logistics centres. It is equipped with a forks, but can also be equipped with other types of attachments.
The main components include the forks, the drive (diesel, gas, electric, etc.) and the chassis. Additionally, the forklift can be equipped with a variety of attachments, including grippers and tippers.
The main characteristics include lifting capacity (from a few hundred kilograms to over a hundred tonnes), lifting height (from a few metres to over ten metres), centre of gravity of the goods and mast type (simplex, duplex, triplex). These parameters determine the capabilities of the handler in specific conditions.
Advantages of forklifts include versatility, availability, relatively low cost and high mobility. They are easily adaptable to different tasks and can be quickly converted to handle different types of goods.
Forklifts can be transported by various types of transport, including road, rail, air and sea. Depending on the model and configuration, the handler can be transported either in assembled form or partially disassembled.
The cost of a forklift depends on its lifting capacity, lift height, drive type and optional extras. Specialised models may require detailed design and cost considerably more than standard versions.
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