What is a forklift?

What is a forklift? Zero to 100

Forklift machines have entered various industries to make things easier and faster. These devices have different types that can be provided to users in different shapes, sizes and applications according to the business style and customer needs to best meet their needs. Therefore, in this article, we are going to talk about what a forklift is and what classes and categories it is divided into; So if for any reason you need to get up-to-date and scientific information about forklift machines, this article can be of great help to you.

What is a forklift?

Forklift is a type of vehicle that is classified in the category of motorized industrial trucks and they are used to lift and move various materials in short distances. A typical forklift is defined by a small truck frame with a forward-facing mast assembly that is responsible for raising and lowering the transported load. These mast sets secure the variable height wagons on which the lifting forks of the lift truck are installed.

Hauling trucks and earthmoving equipment modified to accept forks are not considered true forklifts. Forklifts are designed with many specifications so that they can handle loads with maximum weight and different centers of gravity. Attention to these specifications is essential for safe use. Of course, we will talk more about what a forklift is and what types it has.

Standards related to forklift machines

Forklifts can be subject to different safety regulations depending on the type of forklift used, as well as the specific work being done and the environment in which it is used. In addition to operational safety standards, forklifts are also subject to training standards. In most jurisdictions, employers are responsible for ensuring that all electric industrial truck operators successfully complete a recognized training program.

The safety standard that defines the acceptable elements of forklift design, operation and maintenance is ANSI/ITSDF B56. This standard is controlled by the Industrial Truck Standards Development Foundation. In addition, OSHA has industry-specific forklift safety standards for forklift use in general industry, construction, marine terminals, and long-haul.

OSHA also has compliance standards for various types of activities performed by forklifts, including loading and unloading, handling hazardous materials, and maintenance and upkeep duties. Forklifts used in public work environments (such as retail environments) are also subject to pedestrian safety regulations.

Since when did forklifts enter the industry cycle?

Forklifts are small, electrically powered industrial vehicles that have a front-mounted fork platform that can be raised and lowered to move under the load for lifting or moving.

Forklifts serve the needs of various industries including warehouses and other large storage facilities. This forklift dates back to 1887.

The first version of the forklift was known as a forklift, or as it is sometimes called a lumberjack, tied to the industrialization of the United States and used to pick and move goods and materials. The first forklift to move these pallets was created to help meet the demands of the industrial age.

The first elevator could only lift a pallet a few inches off the ground. In the first decade of the 1900s, the Pennsylvania Railroad invented a platform truck to help move baggage on its trains.

The use and demand of forklifts increased dramatically in 1914 when World War I began, when the need to transport weapons, food and clothing in a timely manner became a necessity.

Classification of forklifts from OSHA's point of view

OSHA has divided the classification of forklifts into "classes" distinguished by the primary power source and intended use of the forklift, as follows:

Class I: Electric motor driven trucks – these trucks are preferred for domestic use because they have no emissions and are quiet.

Class II: Electric Motorized Narrow Aisle Trucks - This class includes forklifts intended for spaces with limited mobility.

Class III: Hand Trucks with Electric Motor or Hand Trucks/Rider - Forklifts in this class are relatively smaller. The operator does not sit in the cab, but uses an exposed control panel and steering wheel accessible from a standing height.

Class IV: Internal Combustion Engine Trucks (Solid/Cushion Tires) - Forklift tires in this class are not inflated, making them harder to puncture, while providing a smooth ride on interior surfaces.

Class V: Internal Combustion Engine Trucks (Pneumatic Tires) - Similar to the previous Class IV, this category is primarily designed for outdoor use.

Class VI: Electric and Internal Combustion Engine Tractors - This class includes machines used primarily for towing rather than lifting.

Class VII: Rough Terrain Forklifts - Relatively larger than their counterparts, used primarily in outdoor activities.

What are the main parts of a forklift?

As with all advanced machines, several smaller, independent components work together to contribute to the overall purpose of the machine. Forklift trucks are no exception to this rule. The main components that enter during its operation are:

d of;

Truck frame: Like the chassis of a car, the truck frame is a metal base that houses the counterweight, wheels, mast, overhead guard, and operator panel.

Balance weight: This is a weight that is attached to the back of the truck frame and balances the weight of the forklift and prevents it from overturning. Operators must be careful not to exceed the load limit, as doing so poses a risk to both the operator and the load.

Carriage: It is where the load is placed and lifted. It consists of forks, carriage ridges that raise the load from below, and a load back that helps stabilize the load.

Mast: This vertical set in front of the forklift is equipped with a pulley system that raises or lowers the carriage and the load on it.

Power source: Depending on the type of forklift, different energy sources can be used to power its operation, for example, electric motors (powered by batteries), LP gas or fossil fuels.

What are the uses of a forklift?

The main use of forklifts is to lift, lower and move loads between points. The diversity of their use in workplaces, the design structure and the nature of the work to be done are introduced, and we have categorized their main uses as follows:

1) Warehouse Forklifts: These common and recognizable forklifts look like golf carts that are used in warehouses to carry large loads.

2) Anti-balance forklift: These forklifts have forks in front and there is a balance in the back of the truck frame. They come in various sizes and configurations.

3) Side Loader Forklift: Also used in warehouses and steel service centers, side loaders work from a side compartment. This makes them preferable for tight spaces, as they can work without having to rotate.

4) Heavy Duty Forklifts: These are powerful forklifts that are capable of lifting heavy pallet loads much higher than normal warehouse forklifts.

5) Telehandle/Telescopic Forklift/Reach Forklift: This type of forklift combines both crane and forklift. It has an extendable arm with an articulated boom. Arm end forks allow for more versatile placement of pallet loads.

6) Reach fork truck: These forklifts, which are mainly used indoors, can extend their forks and reach the warehouse shelves.

7) Pallet Jack/Pump Truck: These smaller and specialized forklifts can only lift small loads. They are very maneuverable and affordable.

8) Forklifts for uneven terrain: These forklifts are designed to work outdoors on uneven surfaces. Their tires are pneumatic and threaded, which make them more stable on uneven terrain.

9) Walkie Stacker: These unique pallet jack type forklifts do not have a cabin for the operator and instead are steered using an attached handle.

10) Collecting forklifts: These forklifts are also a type of walkie stacker, for order warehouses and optimal storage facilities. They can lift individual units without disturbing full pallets along with the operator.