Forklift Trucks, Industrial Training, Used and Rental Models

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Forklift trucks, for the novices out there, are a movable motor vehicles that run on either an internal combustion engine or is powered by an electric motor that runs on a power cell or battery. Forklift trucks are notoriously used to push, lift and tier resources in an industrial manufacturing, retail, agriculture or warehouse environment.

"Forklift talk" usually always centers around two main specifications. The vehicle's "lift capacity" and its "vertical lift travel." The lift capacity bears reference to the maximum load that the truck's lift can accommodate; while the vertical lift travel expresses the distance between the lift in the totally raised and lowered positions.

Find a Forklift, Truck Classes

Class 1: Three wheeled unit powered by and electric motor. Operator can be in the seated or standing position (sit-down units are counterbalanced.) Class 1 lift trucks can be fitted with cushion or pneumatic tires.

Class 2: These are powered by an electric motor this class of truck is suited to narrow isle work typical of inventory shuffling. There is the option of installing extra reach/swing mast applications.

Class 3: Also powered by an electric motor this class of forklift trucks usually has the operator "walk behind" it or alternatively is operated while in the standing position. Both the high lift and automated pallet models are counterbalanced.

Class 4: This counterbalanced class of forklift has a cab with controls and runs on an internal combustion engine. The tires are most often cushioned or solid.

Class 5: This counterbalanced class of lift truck has a cab built to sit a driver, and is powered by an internal combustion engine. The whole vehicle is mounted on pneumatic tires.

Pneumatic tires are air inflated and offer greater load padding and increased grip than cushion tires. Cushion tires are solid so there is no chance of a flat and therefore maintenance costs are cut down. Counterbalancing prevents overturning without the inconvenience of using supports under the load.

Common Lift fitted Truck Features Include:

Tilting and rotating wheels to aid maneuverability when working
Safety rails mounted on the sides to make sure there is no chance of the load falling or sliding.
Reversing lights usually accompanied by an audible flashing siren.

These vehicles are an expensive piece of machinery which requires research and a considerable amount of consideration before a purchase is made. After all you want the job to be done right, efficiently and at no unnecessary extra cost. So to decide on the best model for you, you may want to consider some of the following questions to help you:

What would likely be the most challenging handling task in your business operations? How high? Load weight?
How often does this task need to be done - how often would you use a one if you invested in one?
Would special attachments be needed to increase the efficiency of the vehicle?
Could a lift truck reduce damage to stock and improve safety?

For further information it is advised that you visit your nearest dealer.