Forklift is a type of truck that is operated to lift, move and lower heavy goods from one place to another. Objects that are lifted are objects that are difficult or too heavy for humans to lift. Forklift operation can be done indoors or outdoors, such as loading and unloading goods at ports, warehouses, factories, expeditions, supermarkets, and of course many more.
Having a forklift can increase effectiveness and efficiency in operational activities. The use of a forklift can also lighten the burden on employees, especially in terms of moving goods. Well, you need to know, currently there are various types of forklifts based on their functions.
4 Types of Forklifts currently on the global market
Diesel Forklifts
First there are modern forklifts called diesel forklifts. This type is one that is sophisticated and has the best quality. This tool serves to transport and carry out the loading and unloading of production goods.
The performance of diesel forklifts is higher than other types of forklifts. Not only that, the fuel needed is also less. Of course, this will save you more on fuel. Diesel forklifts are very suitable for various outdoor activities. That’s because the shape of this forklift allows it to be operated in an open space.
This tool is perfect for those of you who have the need to move large capacity goods outdoors. Diesel forklifts have capacities from one to thirty tonnes. While the lifting height is up to 6 meters.
Gasoline Forklifts
This type of forklift has a capacity of up to 10 tonnes. While the lifting height reaches 2 meters. The function of this forklift is to load and unload or move goods and arrange them on a high platform. This type of forklift is highly recommended for the mobility of goods in outdoor.
Electric Forklifts
This electric forklift is designed for the transfer of large capacity goods, its use is very suitable both indoors and outdoors. In terms of capacity, this type of forklift is quite large compared to reach trucks. For its own capacity starting from 8 tons with a lifting height of up to 6 meters.
Electric forklifts are very suitable for the pharmaceutical industry because they do not emit harmful fumes. This is because electric forklifts use batteries as their energy source.
Forklift Reach Trucks
Forklift reach trucks are forklifts that have a capacity of up to 2 tons with a lifting height of up to 11 meters. This type of forklift is used to move production goods with a large capacity, usually to be arranged on high racks.
Not only that, the reach truck also has a slim body. That way, this type of forklift can maneuver in even a narrow place. Seeing its characteristics, the forklift reach truck will be very suitable if used in a warehouse.
Forklift Parts that you must know
Knowing the parts of a forklift will make it easier for you to detect damage to forklift spare parts. For that you need to know the forklift parts and their functions.
Forks
Fork is the main part of the forklift. This section has the function of supporting and carrying goods and lifting them. The fork is made of long and straight iron. The fork has a standard length of 1070 mm or 1.07 m. However, this section can be added with a fork extension if you want a longer fork.
Before you use a forklift, you need to make sure the width, dimensions and weight capacity of the load being lifted. After that place the load on the fork and adjust the width of the fork so that the load being lifted or moved is safe.
Mast
One of the most important and main parts of a forklift is the mast. Mast on a forklift is a part that acts as a forklift pedestal. The mast is made of two thick pieces of steel with hydraulic components between them. The hydraulic function of the mast is to raise or lower goods located on the fork.
Carriage
The carriage on the forklift serves to connect the fork to the forklift mast. In addition, the carriage serves as a security back for the goods above
mast lifting.
Overhead Guard or Canopy
An overhead guard or what is often referred to as a forklift canopy is a forklift component whose function is to protect the operator when operating a forklift in his work. In addition, the presence of an overhead guard prevents the operator from falling goods directly from a height. The overhead guard can also protect the operator from the hot sun and rain.
Counterweights
Counterweight is one part of the forklift which has a function as a counterweight to the load being lifted. The counterweight is located at the back of the forklift. The main purpose of the counterweight on a forklift is to keep the forklift balanced when lifting heavy items.
7 Important Things to Know Before Using a Forklift
To be able to use a forklift, there are a number of things that a forklift operator must know. Anything?
- Know the common hazards that may occur when operating a forklift.
- Pay attention to the maximum weight limit set by the forklift you are using.
- Make sure that the terrain to be traversed is not wavy and there are no obstacles or other hard object interference when moving goods.
- It is important for the operator to know the position of the forks when traversing terrain, unloading goods and when lifting goods.
- Know with certainty the age and condition of the forklift you are using.
- Make sure that the safety equipment on the forklift is available.
- Keep the position and condition of the forklift safe when lifting loads that can cover the operator’s view.
Below is an example of a daily inspection checklist for forklifts that you should also have for checking this multi functional tool.
