What is a forklift truck?
A forklift truck transports, pulls, stacks or pushes loads and goods. In logistics, the forklift truck makes a significant contribution to a smooth and trouble-free flow of materials. The mast can be used to transport materials such as pallets, barrels, pallet cages, roll containers, crates or special containers. In addition to the transportation of goods (incoming goods, finished goods warehouse), the use of a forklift truck with a Voice Picking device in order picking is conceivable.
Forklift variants? What needs to be considered?
There are a large number of forklift truck variants and designs that can be used in warehouse technology.
A distinction is made between manual and mechanized industrial trucks. Manual pallet trucks, also known colloquially as ants or pallet trucks, are operated by hand and can transport the stored goods by hand on the storage surface (max. lifting height approx. 100 mm). Their load capacity is limited.
In addition to the type of drive, mechanized vehicles are also differentiated according to the lifting height and the type of transport. If electric forklift trucks are predominantly used in the warehouse, gasoline, diesel or LPG drives can also be used outdoors.
The number of masts defines the lifting height: single, double, triple and quadruple masts. This allows loads to be positioned up to a lifting height of 10 - 12 meters.
Depending on the requirements in the warehouse, vertical stackers, horizontal stackers, reach trucks, telescopic stackers, heavy-duty stackers, sideloaders, front stackers or even narrow-aisle stackers for narrow rack aisles can be used. Off-road forklifts are also available for special outdoor applications.
How can application possibilities be expanded?
In addition to the classic fork-lifting of materials with the lift mast, there are many attachments that greatly expand the possible uses of forklifts.
- Fork extensions (extra-long stored goods are transported)
- Clamping fork (clamping of e.g. containers)
- Roller clamp (transport of cable drums)
- Carrying mandrel (transporting hollow objects)
- Crane arm (moving long goods)
- Bulk goods bucket (for picking up sand or other bulk goods)
- Tilting carriage (for tipping containers or pallets)
- Assembly platform (repair work)
Manufacturer of forklift trucks
Well-known companies include Jungheinrich and Linde, for example. They also offer used forklifts for sale.
Conclusion
Whether transporting pallets, storing and retrieving materials or supplying goods within a company, a forklift truck can perform these tasks flexibly and reliably. Different applications require adaptable technology, especially in view of the constantly changing requirements in intralogistics.
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