Forklift

A forklift, also sometimes called a lift truck, is a powered industrial truck that is used to lift materials and move them short distances. Forklifts have become a vital piece of equipment in warehousing operations and manufacturing, but they are also sometimes used on construction sites to help transport and unload skids. Most forklifts have rear-wheel steering which helps increase manoeuvrability in tight spaces. They can either be gas powered or run on an electric battery.

Brands

According to sales in dollars, Toyota is the best forklift manufacturing company in the world, with revenue of over 6 billion dollars in 2012 alone. Hyster-Yale Material Handling and Crown Equipment Corportation are the top two American manufacturing companies, with revenue of over 2 billion dollars each. Toyota’s internal combustion model offers the industry’s first 4-way suspension seat and is one of the best models on the market today.

Purpose/How to

Driving a forklift can be difficult, but with a little practice you should be whirling around the factory in no time. Before you start driving, make sure you are familiar with all the controls and meter readings, and be sure to read the operator’s manual. After that, examine the material you will be lifting and transporting, and make sure you are using a proper sized forklift. Make sure the worksite is clear of obstacles, and don’t start operating the forklift until the area is clear of people. After you start the forklift, use the knobs and levers to move the lift, control the speed, and steer the vehicle. After you have finished, park the forklift and make sure the fork is completely on the ground before you turn it off.

Safety Features & Guidelines

Forklifts are used in small and large warehouses and on construction sites, and using them incorrectly can result in serious injury. It is important to make sure the forklift operator and all employees working near the forklift are aware of the proper safety steps to take in order to prevent injury. Before operations, the operator should inspect the forklift, checking for any obvious damage such as flat tires, damage control knobs, a broken mirror, or defective forks. Also make sure you have the correct forklift for the job – you don’t want to lift material that is too heavy, as this could damage the forklift, potentially resulting in injury to the operator. Make sure the area is clear, before and during the operation. If you see an obstacle or a person in the way, stop the forklift immediately. It may help to have an assistant working nearby who could point out potential obstacles.

Pros & Cons

There are two main types of forklift: electric and gas. There are advantages and disadvantages to both.

Electric forklifts produce zero emissions, which is why they are usually the preferred choice in interior environments. They are also much quieter than gas powered forklifts, and have a longer lifespan. Electric forklifts tend to cost more, however, and they require downtime to recharge their battery. While these batteries usually provide enough power for a standard 8 hour shift, they can take double that time to recharge.