Forklift trucks what they are used for and where they are used Forklift trucks are highly specialised equipment for the organisation of material handling (UTB). A wheeled motorised vehicle that has a motor drive. In industry jargon, other words more commonly used come into use (stacker). It is mainly used for unloading goods in warehouses, ports, unloading, loading or factories. Attached to the forklift is a platform, forks or other devices for lifting loads. The lifting capacity of some is as high as several tens of tonnes, so they can perfectly handle heavy loads. There are two types of forklifts:
Telescopic handlers - are a lifting device. Also used as a crane, they are equipped with a telescopic boom that lifts loads (lifting capacity is 1.5 - 21 tonnes) to a great height from 2 to 30 metres. The design makes it possible to work in confined spaces. Instead of forks, we can use a crane with a hook or a lifting beam to lift heavy loads. Loads are lifted from above rather than from below. The possibility of quick and easy rearmament of the machine is for the construction industry. Available rearmament :
- Combustion (petrol, LPG, diesel)
- Electronic
Forklift truck types
Internal combustion forklift trucksare used outdoors because of the exhaust emissions produced. There are occasions when they are used indoors if they have special filters. They perform well on uneven surfaces, thanks to being equipped with four-wheel drive and solid wheels. One of their disadvantages is their very high fuel consumption. Gas-powered forklifts are valued for their versatility, as they emit less exhaust fumes than petrol and diesel engines. With proper ventilation and safety precautions, we can also use gas forklifts in confined spaces. The advantage of these trolleys is the low noise level associated with their operation and low operating costs. This type of trolley is powered by LPG gas, the easy exchange of cylinders is very simple and not very time-consuming, thus allowing continuous operation without unnecessary stops.Electric forklift trucksMost commonly used in interiors and high-bay warehouses. They have non-marking wheels and are therefore ideal for indoor use. Depending on the trolley model, they are available with either four-wheel drive or three-wheel drive. In narrow aisles and tight confined spaces, the latter will work better as they are more manoeuvrable. It is in these areas that a high degree of precision is required of the operator. Running on an electric battery leaves little noise and no emissions, compared to an internal combustion engine. A very good choice for those who value economical solutions with low running costs, despite the high price of battery trolleys. Of the weaknesses, electric forklifts are certainly not designed for continuous operation, as the battery requires regular recharging, which usually takes between 4 and 8 hours.High lift trucksWe can recognise them by the operator's seat positioned perpendicular to the direction of travel of the vehicle. They are characterised by their compact design and small size, which enables them to move smoothly in back rooms and narrow warehouses. They are electric devices that enable the mast to be moved and rotated and lifted by extending the mast. By doing so, the mast is moved towards the centre of gravity of the unit. High bay forklifts are lightweight and can operate in narrower working aisles, this distinguishes them above others. When depositing or removing pallets from storage racks, the unit must be centred in front of the load and the mast moves outwards for easy manoeuvring. With some forklifts we can lift the load to heights of more than 10 m, at the highest levels we use auxiliary devices to make manoeuvring easier.Variable reach stacker truck - called a telescopic handler, Designed for warehouse, shop or warehouse workers. Used to move loads in difficult terrain. They have a variable boom arm that allows massive loads to be moved vertically and horizontally, and manoeuvred through space. Telescopic handlers are not the cheapest or the least complicated. There is no problem for a specialised trolley with a variable boom to cope with difficult conditions (e.g. on construction sites) thanks to its 4-wheel drive and off-road pneumatic tyres. We are most likely to encounter this type of forklift on construction sites, large households, agricultural farms, where they utilise the greatest advantages. In connection with the operation and maintenance of these forklifts, qualification certificates of the relevant category - I WJO - are issued. For this type of equipment the UDT requires an examination once a year and maintenance inspections every 30 days. The authorisations of cat I WJO allow the operation of other lift trucks of lower categories - II WJO (front and side lift trucks and guided or remote-controlled lift trucks). In order to obtain authorisations for the above-mentioned equipment, it is necessary to take the UDT (or TDT or WDT) examination.
Telescopic handlers - are a lifting device. Also used as a crane, they are equipped with a telescopic boom that lifts loads (lifting capacity is 1.5 - 21 tonnes) to a great height from 2 to 30 metres. The design makes it possible to work in confined spaces. Instead of forks, we can use a crane with a hook or a lifting beam to lift heavy loads. Loads are lifted from above rather than from below. The possibility of quick and easy rearmament of the machine is for the construction industry. Available rearmament :- Buckets, forks, grabs, laterals, rotators, augers, sweepers, concrete mixers, hydraulic hammers, man-lifting baskets, crane tips, etc:
- Check load balance
- Lift the crane carefully
- Hooking the load to the crane hook base
- Ensure sufficient stability when moving the load
- Lack of protective clothing for all crew working near machinery
- Lack of annual mandatory inspections by the Technical Inspection Authority
- Lack of permanent and enforced health and safety rules
- No maintenance schedule for technical equipment including telehandlers
- Overcrowding of people on site
- Infrastructure (transport hub) or most often the lack thereof.
