Easilift Loading Systems has formally opened our new Head Office, from which the company will spearhead growth to capitalise on a hugely successful 2011 in loading bay solutions.
Forklift Truck, Lift truck, Reach Trucks & Accessories
A Forklift is a powered industrial truck used to lift and transport materials within manufacturing, warehousing and distribution environments. They are driver operated and there are many different specialist lift trucks available depending on the application. These range from the most common counterbalanced forklift trucks to more specialty trucks such as 3 Wheel Counterbalance Forklift Trucks, Reach Trucks, Hand Pallet Trucks, Powered Pallet Trucks, Sideloaders and Teletrucks. These lift trucks can be powered either by an internal combustion engine or an electric motor.
Scala helps Toyota Material Handling towards supply chain excellence
Feb 15, 2012
Toyota Material Handling is partnering with Scala's Fresh Connection in order to enhance the performance and organisation of customer supply chains.
Engineering apprenticeships support career success according to new forklift industry survey
Feb 15, 2012
45% of senior managers in UK forklift truck companies started their careers as an engineering apprentice, according to a survey of British Industrial Truck Association (BITA) members.
Materials handling specialist joins Douglas Gillespie Plant
Feb 15, 2012
Douglas Gillespie Plant, Scotland's premier Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks dealer, has expanded its management team with the addition of industry specialist, Ian Law.
Steve Richmond takes on director role within Jungheinrich
Feb 15, 2012
Jungheinrich UK Ltd has announced that Steve Richmond has been promoted to the position of Director of the company's Systems and Projects Division.
Passing the port test
Feb 08, 2012
The Port of Bristol is Britain's most centrally located deep sea port. With an estimated 42 million people living within a 250 km radius of the facility and the Midlands and London both within easy reach, it is recognised as one of the most economical port distribution locations in the UK.
FLTA reveals finalists for Fork Lift Apprentice of the Year Award
Feb 01, 2012
For the first time ever, the Fork Lift Truck Association has announced its shortlist for the Fork Lift Truck Apprentice of the Year title ahead of its annual black-tie Awards event to coincide with National Apprentice Week (6 to 12 February 2012).
Pickerings Lifts introduces High Volume Low Speed fans into the UK and Europe
Jan 25, 2012
Pickerings Lifts Loading Systems has announced the addition of a range of High Volume Low Speed (HVLS) fans to its product range.
Yale to sponsor FLTA Awards
Jan 25, 2012
Materials handling equipment manufacturer Yale Europe has confirmed that it will be a full Award Sponsor for the Fork Lift Truck Association Awards for Excellence 2012.
Replacement chain for heavy duty Kalmar forklifts
Jan 18, 2012
FB Chain Ltd has announced that it is now able to supply replacement chain for the range of 20-50 tonne capacity forklift trucks manufactured by leading heavy truck specialist Kalmar.
Forklift Truck, Lift trucks, Reach Trucks.
A forklift truck is an industrial piece of equipment powered by electric, LPG, propane or diesel with a metal fork platform attached to its front. The truck is used to lift heavy loads by inserting the fork platform under cargo, pallets or containers, to move them around a manufacturing plant, industrial operation or warehouse environment for storage. The truck frame of a forklift truck forms the base for its lifting and includes wheels, counterweights, a carriage, and a mast.
Main functions of a forklift truck:
- Lifting and moving heavy loads
- Stacking and unstacking pallets
- Loading and unloading trucks
- Sorting and rearranging materials
- Picking and placing items
- Maintaining warehouse inventory
Forklift Truck Types
There are three main types of forklifts:
- Electric forklifts: These are powered by electric motors and are typically used in indoor environments. They are quiet and produce no emissions, making them a good choice for warehouses and other enclosed spaces.
- Internal combustion forklifts: These are powered by gasoline, diesel, or propane engines and are typically used in outdoor environments. They have a longer range than electric forklifts, but they are also louder and produce more emissions.
- Pedestrian-operated forklifts: These are small, lightweight forklifts that are operated by a pedestrian. They are typically used for light-duty lifting and moving tasks.
Articulated Forklift
Articulated forklift trucks are ideal for small spaces. The traditional articulated forklift is a sit-down configuration and provides the user with a narrow aisle forklift and a traditional counterbalance machine in the same unit. They provide a more cost-effective solution when it comes to maximising storage space and ergonomic operations.
Counterbalance Forklift
These are the most common forms of forklifts and come in 3 and 4 wheel models. The counterbalance forklift features two forks at the front and has the ability to drive up close to a load to pick it up and move it. They have a counterweight in the rear of the vehicle to compensate for the heavy load being lifted at the front. Counterbalance forklift trucks drive best on flat, smooth surfaces and should be used in more open spaces due to their large turning circle.
Side Loader Forklift
There are a variety of different sideloaders or forktrucks which can be powered by diesel, LPG and even propane. This is a piece of materials handling equipment designed for long loads and is ideally suited to the timber and steel industries. The operator’s cab is positioned up front on the left-hand side. The area to the right of the cab is called the bed or platform. This contains a central section within it, called the well, and the forks are built to travel perpendicular to the truck as it moves.
Reach Forklift
Reach Trucks are forklifts used in narrow aisle applications, such as warehouses, and have two outer legs to distribute the load with a set of wheels in the back located below the operator. This allows operators to navigate smaller spaces, and still be able to reach higher racking
Turret Trucks
These trucks have an articulating base that rotates the forks 180 degrees. They are fairly high cost, requiring a guidance system and are much slower than both the reach truck or articulated machines.
Swing Mast
Swing mast machines have a unique design enabling drivers to rotate the mast assembly 90° and shift left and right to pick or place loads in racks. This can be done without turning the forklift and are therefore ideal for very narrow aisles.
Rough Terrain Forklifts
Designed to be driven over uneven, rocky, and pot hold surfaces while carrying heavy loads
- Telehandler or Telescopic
- Rotating or Roto Telehandler
- Straight Mast