What is a forklift?
A forklift truck transports, pulls, stacks or pushes loads and goods. In logistics, the forklift truck contributes significantly to a flawless and trouble-free flow of materials. The mast can be used to transport materials handling equipment such as pallets, barrels, skeleton containers, roller containers, crates or even special containers. In addition to the transport of goods (incoming goods, finished goods warehouse), the use of a forklift truck with Voice Picking device in order picking is conceivable.
Forklift variants? What is to be considered?
There is a large number of forklift truck variants and designs that can be used in warehouse technology.
A distinction is made between manual and mechanical industrial trucks. Manual pallet trucks, also known colloquially as ants or pallet trucks, are operated by hand and can transport the stored goods on the storage area (max. lifting height approx. 100 mm) by hand. Their carrying capacity is limited.
Mechanical vehicles are distinguished not only by the type of drive but also by the lifting height and the type of transport. If mainly electric forklifts are used in the warehouse, gasoline, diesel or LPG drive can also be used in the outdoor area.
The number of the mast defines the lifting height: single, double, triple and quadruple lift masts. This allows loads to be positioned up to a lifting height of 10 - 12 metres.
Depending on the requirements in the warehouse, vertical stackers, horizontal stackers, reach trucks, telescopic stackers, heavy-duty stackers, side stackers, front stackers or even narrow aisle stackers for narrow shelf aisles are used. In addition, all-terrain forklifts are available for special outdoor applications.
How can application possibilities be extended?
In addition to the classic forking of materials with the lift mast, there are many attachments that greatly expand the range of applications for forklift trucks.
- Fork extensions (overlong stored goods are transported)
- Clamping fork (clasping of e.g. containers)
- Reel clamp (transport of cable drums)
- Carrying mandrel (carrying hollow objects)
- Crane arm (moving long goods)
- Bulk material shovel (pick-up of sand or other bulk materials)
- Tilting carriage (for tilting containers or pallets)
- Mounting platform (repair work)
Forklift truck manufacturer
Well-known companies are for example Jungheinrich or Linde. They also offer used forklifts for sale.
Conclusion
No matter whether it is the transport of pallets, the storage and retrieval of materials or the internal supply of goods - with a forklift truck these tasks can be carried out flexibly and reliably. Different applications require adaptable technology, especially against the background of constantly changing requirements in intralogistics.
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