forklifts

Story

The first forklift was developed by the American company Eugene Clark in 1924. The devices usually have a fork carrier with two tines that can be moved up and down. The distance between the forklift tines can also be changed. They are available in different lengths. The tines are called forks and give the conveyor its name.

service

Forklift drivers operate the forklift using pedals and hand levers. Lifting loads and tipping the fork is done hydraulically. For driving and steering, there is either an accelerator and brake pedal with a hand lever for selecting the direction of travel or a pedal for driving forwards and backwards. Thanks to the rear steering with a large steering angle, the turning circle is small and usually corresponds to the length of the vehicle. Suspension comfort is provided by special tires for forklifts and sprung seats.

Drive types: diesel, gas, electric and hybrid

The industrial truck is powered by a combustion engine, electric motor or hybrid engine . The combustion engines are fueled by diesel, natural gas or liquid gas . There are hardly any petrol forklifts left in the EU. For safety reasons, an annual FEM (Fédération Européenne de la Manutention) inspection is required in Germany.

electric forklifts

Electric forklifts do not cause any pollutant emissions and can be used indoors. A traction battery supplies the electric motor with energy; current lithium-ion batteries are ideal.

forklift with combustion engine

The models, also known as V-forklifts, run on diesel fuel.

Advantages:

• strong performance
• always ready for action
• optimal for heavy loads

A disadvantage is the higher operating costs compared to electric forklifts.

Gas-powered forklifts

As an alternative to diesel fuel, operation can be carried out with natural gas or LPG.

hybrid forklifts

Hybrid forklifts are a further development of electric forklifts. They integrate capacitors that store energy through the recuperation of braking energy and are available for acceleration and lifting operations. There are also drive systems with an economical diesel engine, generator and electric motor.

Advantages:

• almost silent operation
• high overall efficiency
• environmentally friendly

The disadvantage is the higher acquisition costs.

Applications of forklifts

The industrial trucks transport light to heavy loads and are used indoors and outdoors. They are important tools in logistics, agriculture, construction and freight forwarding, among other things.

• Electric forklifts are suitable for indoor and outdoor use and for light to medium-heavy loads. The main areas of application are, for example, loading and unloading trucks and transporting pallets in the warehouse.
• V-forklifts are used outdoors and boast high performance. They show their advantages on spacious premises when long distances have to be covered. The top models among the diesel forklifts are permitted indoors under certain circumstances. They are often the first choice for 3-shift operations.
• Hybrid forklifts are the ideal choice when braking and accelerating are required constantly. The capacitors then temporarily store the energy and provide an energy boost. This is advantageous when loading and unloading trucks, for example. Variants with diesel and electric motors are characterized by a high overall efficiency.

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types of forklifts

The manufacturers offer these practical helpers in different versions. There are different types of forklifts :

• off-road forklifts
• reach trucks
• narrow-aisle forklifts
• four-way and multi-way forklifts
• sideloader

Other distinguishing features include:

• Number of wheels: three or four wheels
• Sitting position: standing or sitting as front, side or transverse seat
• Lifting height: up to six meters
• Tires: pneumatic, solid rubber or super-elastic tires

By the way: Depending on the size and weight of the goods to be transported, other industrial trucks may be suitable. Alternatives to forklifts include electric high-lift trucks , but also wheel loaders and tractors equipped with forks.

driving license

In Germany, the professional association regulations (BGV) regulate driving authorization for internal use. A forklift license serves as proof of competence. According to the law, the forklift license does not constitute a driving license for public road traffic.

Finding the right forklift

Are you looking for a new forklift? And are unsure which model suits your requirements? Find the right model in just 7 questions . You will receive a suitable offer within 24 hours - non-binding and free of charge. Start your test now!

See also

• attachments for forklifts
• extensions for forklift tines
• FEM 4.004 test
• DGUV accident statistics