Everything you need to know about forklifts

Who invented the forklift and when?

It is said that Leonardo da Vinci was the first to draw a type of forklift, but the first real forklift was built by Lester M. Sears in . He founded the company Towmotor Corporation and produced the so-called "Towtractors" until . This was a type of tow tractor used to push railroad cars, among other things. This was followed by the "Cantilever Forklift", which was the first forklift that could be sat on.

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Towmotor Corporation was sold to Caterpillar in .

How does a forklift work?

Operating a forklift is actually quite simple. With proper training, operation is not as complicated as it may seem at first glance. However, it does require knowledge and attention to detail to ensure smooth operation.

To lift the mast, the forklift operator pushes the control lever forward and fluid is forced into the hydraulic cylinders. The fluid enters the hydraulic cylinder through a special valve that allows pressure to build. This pressure increases as more fluid enters the cylinder. As the fluid fills the cylinder, the gears of the pulley system are turned clockwise and the mast rises. When the mast needs to be lowered, the control lever is pulled back and the fluid pressure slowly decreases. It takes experience to know how fast the pressure builds up and decreases. This is different for each type of forklift and this knowledge can be gained through forklift training and practical experience.

How do you operate a forklift?

A forklift truck is steered by the rear wheels because it is much easier to work accurately with the forks. Steering with the rear wheels gives the truck a small turning radius, making it easy to maneuver. It also reduces tire wear. A win-win situation!

Turning radius forklift

A forklift truck with a short turning radius allows the operator to load and unload faster. In addition, this steering axle provides greater stability when driving over uneven ground. The advantages of a short turning radius forklift are:

• Ideal for use in narrow aisles
• Limits damage to the forklift (easier to maneuver without hitting anything)
• The storage capacity of the warehouse is increased because the width of the aisles can be made narrower.

Forklift forks

One of the features of a forklift is the forks, which are commonly referred to as the spoons. These are two flat metal bars that protrude from the front and can be slid under a pallet or other object, then lifted by a lift mechanism, scooping the load from the ground. Officially they are called forks, named for the shape, but the word spoon (to scoop up the load) is also correct.

How much can a forklift lift?

Most forklifts have a plate with a capacity chart. This shows not only the lift capacity, but also the maximum weight that can be handled at a given lift height. A capacity chart shows:

• Lift heights (H3) in mm
• Workload weight (Q) in kg (including pallets)
• Center of gravity distance (D) in millimeters.

The center of gravity of the load is the distance from the center of the load to the heel of the fork. If any of the elements on the load diagram exceed the guidelines, lifting with the forklift becomes dangerous. It is important to note that the greater the distance from the load center, the less weight can be lifted.

Since there are often several brands of forklift in a company, or different drivers using the same forklift, it is important that everyone knows how to read a load chart. This will prevent the truck from tipping over due to an excessive workload.

How much does a forklift weigh?

Knowing how much a forklift weighs is very important. By knowing how much a forklift weighs, you can be sure that your forklift can be safely transported or moved to a job site. In addition, you can verify that the weight of a forklift does not exceed the weight of the structure where the forklift will be used. This will prevent cracks in the floor, or worse, a forklift that sags through the floor.

The weight of a forklift and the capacity of a forklift are not related. In order to operate a forklift safely, it is important that workers understand the difference between the two terms.

While lift truck weight refers to the actual weight of the lift truck, lift capacity describes the amount of weight a lift truck can carry. Typically, lift truck capacities range from 1,300 kg. to more than 30,000 kg.

A forklift truck is also heavier at the rear. This is because the forklift's counterweight helps to balance the weight of the load on the truck's forks. This counterweight is located at the rear of the forklift and prevents the forklift from tipping forward when lifting heavy loads.

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The average weight of a forklift truck is approximately 3,000 kg. For comparison, an average car weighs about kg.

Counterweight forklift

No weight should ever be added to the counterweight of a lift truck. This is because all the components of a forklift truck are precisely matched and calculated. This is why a forklift truck works optimally and can lift extremely heavy loads. If anything is changed in these proportions, the calculations change and accidents can happen.

Forklift tires

The tires on a forklift truck are essential for moving the truck around its work area. But the tires do much more. The tires transfer the weight of the forklift to the ground, ensuring proper stability. Because of this critical function, it is important to choose the right type of tires for a particular application.

There are 3 types of tires used for forklifts, these are:

• Cushion tires (press-on tires)
• Pneumatic tires
• Solid pneumatic forklift tires
• Polyurethane tires

Cushion tires

Solid rubber tires (cushion tires) are generally best for indoor use on smooth, level surfaces. They are puncture resistant because the tire is all rubber and does not require inflation, and they have a high load capacity.

Solid tires are available with or without a tread. Solid tires also have disadvantages. For example, these tires give the truck less elasticity, resulting in higher vibration loads on the truck and operator.

Solid pneumatic tires

All-rubber tires (also called super-elastic tires or solid pneumatic tires) are solid tires mounted on rims that can also accommodate pneumatic tires. They combine many of the properties of cushion tires with the comfort of air-filled tires. For areas where there is a risk of tire damage, super-elastic tires are usually recommended.

Because these tires are not air-filled, they have the same puncture resistance as solid rubber tires. They have a multi-layered tread pattern and are slightly harder than pneumatic tires, but much softer than solid rubber tires. Therefore, they can partially absorb shocks and impacts.

Pneumatic tires

Pneumatic tires are the same type of tires typically used on automobiles. On a forklift, these tires can provide more comfort to the operator due to their good shock absorbing properties. They also offer good ground contact and are ideal for outdoor use due to their tread pattern. However, tire pressure must be checked regularly and even minor tire damage can cause problems.

Forklift certified

Forklift certification is not required. However, employers are expected to be able to demonstrate that their personnel are competent enough to operate a forklift or reach truck. If an accident occurs, the employer must be able to prove to the OSHA and the insurance company that the employee was aware of the safety rules and laws. For this reason, most employers require their employees to have a valid forklift certificate.

Forklift certificate

The basic training for the forklift certificate takes 1 to 2 days. The training consists of a theoretical part and a practical part, which is assessed by an exam. Once the forklift certificate has been obtained, the trainee can start work immediately. After obtaining the certificate, the trainee can work independently with forklifts and reach trucks. The forklift certificate is important because it ensures safety in the workplace.

Forklift certification cost

The cost of training to obtain a forklift certificate is an average of between 200 and 300 euros. Renewal of the certificate is less expensive and costs approximately 150 euros.

How long does a forklift truck license last?

If you are a holder of a forklift certificate, you are probably wondering how long a forklift certificate is valid. The forklift certificate is valid for 5 years. After that, you will have to take another test to renew your certificate. The validity of the forklift certificate is determined by law. The certificate is obtained by passing an examination. This examination consists of a theoretical and a practical part.

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