Forklifts Industry Information

IQS Newsroom Articles on Forklifts

Forklifts are industrial trucks used to lift and move heavy products, items and packaged pallets. Fork lifts, also known as forklift trucks, have a power operated forked platform attached to the front designed to be inserted under loads to lift and move them. Fork lifts are used in almost every industry which handles heavy items or large quantities, such as in warehousing and distribution. They are particularly useful in storerooms, construction sites and loading docks. Lift trucks are used both indoor, which are electric forklifts, and outdoor, on factory floors or in large cooling units. Heavy duty applications often require sideloaders, while warehouses with high shelves utilize reach trucks to access products and equipment. Forklifts either have seats in the body or are stand up, where the driver must remain standing while operating the truck. They may be heavy-duty for outdoor applications where the ground is uneven, or indoor walkie forklifts, for inside use on smooth concrete. Using a forklift in most industrial or commercial situations improves storage potential, reduces risk of injury and cuts stocking time. Companies that sell and manufacture forklifts may also offer used forklifts for sale and forklift repair services which include emergency repair or routine maintenance.
Pallet trucks are a type of lift truck designed specifically for the lifting of loaded pallets. Their forks have specific dimensions which fit a variety of pallet designs, and some forklift manufacturers make pallet trucks with adjustable forks. Reach trucks are equipped with hydraulic lifting systems capable of raising their platforms to reach pallets and items on high warehouse shelves. Sideloaders, typically used in more heavy-duty applications, have a lifting platform which extends from the side instead of from the front or back. Other forklifts are designed to maneuver down narrow aisles. Straddle trucks are a type of forklift which have wider bases in order to lift a heavy load higher than normal forklifts can, while turret forklift trucks can rotate a high load up to a 90 degree angle. Platform trucks are a material handling vehicle composed of a simple wheeled flat bed with either a bar handle for manual transportation or a motor, steering wheel and seat. Although not technically lift trucks, platform trucks are used in applications similar to forklift trucks.

Fork lifts are designed with either internal combustion engines or electric motors. Hydraulic systems are used for lifting power in most forklifts, although some companies have developed electric actuator controlled lifts. A few common forklift features include tilting and rotating frames and wheels to increase the vehicles` overall maneuverability and efficiency. Some wheels also may be fitted with stabilizing outriggers. The forklifts themselves may have safety rails installed around the lifting fork to minimize the risk of a load sliding or falling off. Safety features, such as flashing lights or audible sirens, are common features which help keep co-workers aware of the vehicles` movement and presence in order to avoid injury and product loss.
 
Forklift manufacturers divide their products into specific classes of design and capacity. These classes primarily depend on the type of engine and tires that are used. Cushion/solid tires do not need air inflation, and, as a result, puncture less easily and require less monitoring and significantly less maintenance than pneumatic tires. On the other hand, pneumatic tires give load padding and allow for increased traction. Another factor in the classification of forklifts is the nature of counterbalance in the vehicle. Counterbalancing uses specifically placed weights to prevent the lift from toppling over under the weight of a load. This method is far more convenient than the other alternative of placing supports under the loads. Important factors to consider when exploring forklifts options are vertical lift travel and lift capacity. Vertical lift travel is the height to which a forklift or reach truck can extend, while lift capacity refers to the largest weight capable of being handled by the lift. Vehicle performance is directly affected by these factors.