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Common Names for Forklifts
Forklifts are often referred to by other names, including:
- Fork-lift
- Forklift Loader
- Barge
- Forklift Truck
What is the Purpose of a Forklift?
Forklifts reduce manual labor by enabling workers to lift and move heavy objects with greater ease and efficiency. These machines are vital for applications in factories, warehouses, and construction sites, allowing tasks to be completed faster and with less physical strain. Forklifts can lift loads that are impossible for a single person to handle, making them indispensable for modern businesses.
What are the Different Types of Forklifts?
Forklifts come in various types, each suited for specific tasks and environments. Below are the most common types and their uses:
Counterbalanced Lift: A Counterbalanced Lift, commonly referred to as sit-down or Type 1, is a type of forklift that relies on counterweights to maintain balance and lift loads. The majority of the lift's weight is typically concentrated in a large pillow block positioned at the base or beneath the center of gravity.
Stand-Up Lift: A Stand-Up Forklift, or Type 2 forklift, is built for speed and maneuverability in busy work environments. Unlike sit-down forklifts, operators stand while driving, making it super easy to hop on and off for quick tasks. With its compact size, it’s ideal for narrow aisles and tight spots, like in warehouses or loading docks. Stand-Up Forklifts are great for stacking pallets, loading trucks, or moving stuff around quickly. They also give operators better visibility and make tight turns a breeze, so they’re a go-to choice for handling materials efficiently.
Trolley Lift: A Trolley Lift is a type of forklift designed to be raised by pushing on either the front or rear of the vehicle. These lifts typically feature a "T" handle and are operated on two central wheels. Common rental trolley lifts have two tires at the front and two at the rear. Often referred to as a "Goliath" due to its impressive capabilities, this type of lift offers several advantages. It can be driven in both directions, maneuvers easily in tight spaces, and, when elevated, handles heavy loads with efficiency. These types of forklifts are often called pallet jacks, stand-behinds, or tuggers.
Forklift Sizes and Their Benefits
Forklifts are available in three primary sizes, each designed for specific load capacities and tasks. Let's take a look at the most used sizes, keeping in mind that companies may change their size requirements as needed.
20 Ton Forklifts
The most common size of forklift is a 20-ton. These units are used for light to medium-weight loads.
Load Capacity: 2,000 -15,000 lbs.
Pros: This size of forklift is an economical choice since it can lift many types and sizes of objects. It also has a high horsepower which allows for increased speed and maneuverability in tight spaces.
Cons: Very low ground clearance limits access to some areas and obstacles. This unit is limited in lifting capacity, so it may not be able to carry large or heavy loads.
25-35 Ton Forklifts
The 25 - 35-ton forklift is used for heavier loads and is able to lift heavier objects. This size of forklift is used for very heavy items.
Load Capacity: 20,00- 40,000 lbs.
Pros: This size of forklift can carry a much larger and heavier load than the smaller forks and is more suited for heavier tasks such as moving pallets and larger loads.
Cons: While it has a high weight capacity, it also has an equally high cost per ton, making it a more expensive option than the other forklifts. This size of forklift is also very large and heavy, which may limit the size that can be used inside of a building.
40 Ton Forklifts
The 40-ton forklift is used in factories, warehouses, moving companies, industrial parks, etc. If you plan on moving large or heavy loads then this unit would be best for you! These units are ideal for moving things from one location to another within the same facility.
Load Capacity: 80,000 lbs.
Pros: This forklift can lift heavier objects, making it possible to move very large and heavy objects like containers or machinery.
Cons: This unit may not fit in some areas or even be able to enter the building that you are trying to move the load into.
Choosing the Right Forklift
Factors like load capacity, maneuverability, and cost should guide your decision when selecting a forklift. While cost is important, safety and quality are equally critical for long-term reliability and performance.
After the Purchase: Keep Your Forklift Running Smoothly
Once you’ve selected the right forklift for your needs, maintaining it is crucial. Concentric provides comprehensive forklift battery maintenance and service to ensure your equipment remains in top working condition.
Learn more about our forklift solutions!