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Forklifts have become a staple of the warehouse and manufacturing industries. Thousands of companies across North America have grown to rely on this versatile piece of equipment as their primary method of moving a broad range of heavy materials quickly and efficiently while ensuring that all members of their team are kept safe.

Today, we’ll provide a complete overview of forklifts and the many ways this versatile piece of equipment continues to be heavily relied on across a number of industries.

Forklifts 101: The Various Components of a Forklift

Before we discuss the everyday uses of forklifts, it’s important to first become familiar with the ins and outs of the industrial truck.

While there are several types of forklifts, almost all have the same basic components, systems, and accessories. Here is an overview of the main forklift components:

• Truck frame.The truck frame is responsible for holding the vehicle’s key parts together, including the forklift’s wheels, mast, and counterweight.
• Counterweight. A forklift’s counterweight prevents the truck from tipping over when lifting heavy loads by balancing out the weight.
• Forks.The forks are two large steel tines, which jut out from the truck and are designed to handle cargo and materials, lift pallets and bring products down from hard-to-reach shelves.
• Power source. Gas-powered forklifts will have a fuel tank attached near the rear, which depending on the model may contain gasoline, diesel, LPG, or CNG. Electric-powered forklifts are powered by lead-acid batteries.
• Cab. The cab is where the forklift operator will sit or stand and includes controls for operating the industrial truck including the steering wheel, lift controls, brake and accelerator pedals, safety signals, etc.
• Overhead Guard. Located directly above the cab, the overhead guard protects the forklift operator from adverse weather conditions and falling materials.
• Undercarriage. The undercarriage of a forklift is the underside of the cab. It contains the mechanics of the truck and should be inspected and maintained regularly to ensure safety and longevity.
• Mast. The mast is responsible for lifting and lowering the load. It also has interlocking rails to allow for horizontal controls. The forklift’s mast may also be installed with rollers.
• Wheels. The type of tires installed on the forklift depends on the conditions in which it will be used. For example, cushion tires composed of solid rubber directly pressed onto the wheel are ideally designed for indoor, paved surfaces. Air-filled pneumatic tires made of strong, long-lasting rubber material, on the other hand, sport a deep tread and work best for rough, outdoor terrain. There are also solid pneumatic tires, which are designed of solid rubber that can be used for both indoor and outdoor applications.
• Hydraulic Lift Cylinder. Required to move the vehicle’s forks up the mast. The hydraulic lift cylinder is responsible for the total vertical lift of the truck.

Forklifts 101: How to Operate a Forklift

Now that you understand the general components that make up a forklift, it’s time to discuss how they work.

Forklifts optimize two key mechanics to perform their lifting functions – roller chain pulleys and hydraulic lift cylinders. Each system is broken down further below.

Hydraulic Lift Cylinders

Hydraulic lift cylinders are an integral part of any forklift. Using a series of pistons, cylinders, and fluids they’re able to lift and lower loads with ease.

The forklift operator activates the hydraulic system by using a handle at the base of the forklift to raise or lower loads. The handle is connected to an air pump that draws air outside into a filter and pushes it into a tube until it reaches the hydraulic cylinders.

Inside these cylinders, fluid is trapped, creating pressure as more fluid enters. This creates an upward force moving the pistons up, resulting in physical equilibrium (when the fluids’ force is equal to the load’s downward force).

To elevate the load, the forklift operator presses down on this handle (forward), which signals the forklift to pump more air into the cylinders. To lower the load, forklift operators would pull the handle backwards, which signals a special valve to release the built-up gas from the cylinders.

Roller chain pulley

The second mechanic forklifts optimize to perform their lifting functions is roller chain pulleys. This reliable pulley system is responsible for lifting the vehicle’s forks overhead. Allow us to explain.

The truck’s forks attach to the frame with two roller chain pulleys. The mast is connected to these chains via gears at the top of the mast. As hydraulic pistons push up on the mast, they press against the roller chains. This causes one side of each chain to rotate clockwise and pull up on its corresponding fork. The other side of each chain remains fixed in place thanks to the solid frame of the forklift. This allows for only the upward motion of the forks as they raise overhead.

Common Forklift Uses

Since their invention in the early 1900s, forklift trucks have become an integral piece of equipment relied upon by a vast number of industries. From manufacturing to warehousing and distribution, forklifts are vital to the success of any business that relies on storage and transportation.

Below we’ll discuss some of the many uses of forklifts.

Shipping Yards

Forklifts are a mainstay in shipping yards. Home to massive metal containers transporting a wide array of materials, heavy-duty forklifts are required to move these shipments safely and efficiently.

In fact, forklifts have played a vital role in handling dockyard shipments since World War II. Back then they were used to move cargo on and off ships. Today, they continue to serve a fundamental role in the industry, still offering the same power and productivity necessary to move large shipping containers.

With a skilled forklift operator in the driver’s seat, these industrial trucks can also minimize the risk of damage. For example, in the shipping industry, there’s a common process known as “transloading”, which refers to a shipment of goods being transferred from one mode of transportation to another.

Transloading offers manufacturers a way to transport products to clients promptly. However, the transferring of products between vehicles increases the risk of goods accruing damage before reaching their end destination. By using high-quality forklifts to load, unload and move shipments in trans-loading facilities, manufacturers can minimize the risk of damages and keep all materials safe during travels.

Recycling facilities

The forklift is an essential piece of equipment for a recycling facility. Used in unloading recycling containers or trucks before their loads are transported to sorting bays, these machines are heavily relied upon in this sector.

Forklifts are also highly valued at recycling facilities because they allow for easier and more efficient loading/unloading of tractor-trailers, elevators, railway cars, and straight trucks.

Manufacturing Facilities

Manufacturing facilities are widespread. Materials transported at such facilities range from automobile, boat, or aircraft parts, to lumber, custom-fabricated metal, and electronic devices.

Given the diverse range of materials transported at these facilities, forklifts are entrusted to ensure employee health and optimal productivity.

Side loader models are the most common forklifts used in the manufacturing industry. Rather than the forks being located in the front of the operator’s cabin, both sections are side-by-side. Specially built to carry wide, heavy loads, side loader forklifts are ideal for lifting long pieces of lumber, timber, and steel.

Construction sites

Forklifts are a construction site staple. Every day, construction workers rely on these industrial vehicles to transport and carry heavy building materials like steel, bricks, and wood.

Not only do forklifts improve efficiency in and around construction sites, but they also create a more ergonomic work environment. For example, when you’re transporting materials on a daily basis with a forklift, you’re not forced to walk up and down stairs or move heavy items manually.

Instead, you can optimize the machine’s hydraulic and roller chain pulley system to lift materials into place and then lower them down again once they’re in their final position. This eliminates the risk of injury from carrying objects up and down stairs or from lifting them manually over your head repeatedly throughout the day.

With forklifts, you can rest assured that your employees are provided with the right equipment to safely maneuver heavy materials without sustaining injuries.

Warehouse Facility

Warehouses are one of the most common places you’ll see forklifts being used.

Frequently used to transport products around the facility, as well as load and unload trucks, forklifts are an asset to warehouse facilities. Without them, it would be impossible for these facilities to operate efficiently and effectively.

Counterbalance trucks are the most common forklift you’ll find operating around warehouses. Powered with an internal combustion engine or batteries, a counterbalance truck’s forks are located at the front of the machine, while a rear-mounted weight keeps it steady during operation. As the fork picks up heavy materials, the counterweight prevents it from tipping over.

6 Benefits of Using Forklifts in the Workplace

Increased Productivity

Forklifts increase productivity. Whether it’s in a warehouse or a construction site, forklifts allow you to move more materials at once, allowing you to get more done in less time. This means employees won’t have to spend hours on end moving heavy loads around the facility, and instead can focus on other more pressing tasks.

Additionally, forklifts can be used to move pallets or other large items that would otherwise require several staff members and a lot of company time. With high-quality forklifts, you can save money on labour costs and significantly minimize the risk of injury employees might otherwise experience if they were to move heavy loads manually.

Enhanced Safety

Forklifts are a blessing to both workers and companies alike.

Before the invention of forklifts, many factories and warehouses used cables and pulleys to move heavy crates and other weighted objects. This method was incredibly dangerous in a number of ways: if the load was too heavy for the cable, it could snap and fall on workers; if the cable was not properly fastened, it could also fall on workers.

The invention of forklift trucks brought increased safety for workers across a wide spectrum of industries. Today, forklift operators are trained to understand the limits of their equipment, so they know how much weight their lift can safely handle. With this knowledge, operators can maintain workplace safety and prevent damage to equipment that could result in accidents down the line.

Impressive Speed and Maneuverability

Forklifts provide impressive speed and maneuverability.

As one of the smallest driveable pieces of machinery, they are compact enough to fit in relatively small areas while still easily maneuverable to turn in a variety of directions on a dime.

They can also travel at speeds up to 16 km/h (10mph). However, many businesses set their speed limits much lower, especially when working near pedestrians, other forklifts, and heavy equipment.

High and Heavy Lifting Capacity

Forklifts may be small and nimble, but they demonstrate superior lifting capacity.

Forklifts can lift several tons of products smoothly, with some able to handle loads up to 35,000 lbs. Not only do these industrial machines have the power to lift heavy loads, but they also have the ability to transport them around with ease.

Available to Rent

Forklifts are essential tools in any warehouse or manufacturing setting, but they tend to be expensive. The good news is that you can rent a forklift instead of owning one.

This way you can equip your business with high-quality forklifts without having to worry about facing insurmountable debt.

Lots of Training Offered

Forklifts can be dangerous if they are not used carefully. Thus, training is essential to ensure safe forklift driving practices.

Forklift operators should feel fully confident in their ability to use the vehicle and understand what to do in the event of an emergency.

Whether you’re looking to kickstart your forklift career or simply enhance your skills, there is an abundance of training options available.

Trust Tailift To Provide Your Business with Everyday Forklifts

If you’re a forklift dealer, you know how important it is to have the right equipment. It’s not just about having a forklift that works – it’s about having a forklift that works well for your business.

That’s where Tailift comes in. As Canada’s trusted forklift distributor, we understand what it takes to make sure that your forklifts are up to snuff, and we’re here to help you find the perfect fit for your needs.

Our team of professionals will work with you to create a plan that matches your specific needs, whether you’re a small dealer looking to become established or a large business with years of experience.

To learn more about how we can help supply your business with smart, dependable heavy-duty forklifts contact us today.