Forklifts are crucial tools used in industries today. Businesses that use forklifts have to know their significance, their functional requirements, and the safety issues involved in forklift applications. Forklifts are a great investment which can increase workplace efficiency and productivity.
Significance
Forklifts are a very effective way to move product. They are a modern way to transport products and materials in a wide range of settings. Forklifts are used to move bulky and heavy things that would otherwise need to be transported manually in smaller units.
Function
Forklifts can reach racks as high as 9 to 12 meters. This enables efficient use of maximum storage capacity inside a warehouse or retail store. The forks move down and up by a telescopic hydraulic cylinder on the lift truck mast. Various sets of hydraulic cylinders are used to tilt the mast and shift it to the side, for positioning. A telescopic hydraulic cylinder is an attachment which allows an even higher lift using a hydraulic cylinder system which functions much like a telescope. Every section slides inside the other similar to sections of a telescope.
Features
Control levers help to lift the forks up and down, tilt, and side shift. The operator pulls back on the up and down lever to raise the forks, pushing the lever forward will lower the forks. Tilt the load back by pulling back the lever, push it forward to tilt the load forward. The side shift lever controls the left and right movement of the forks. Unlike cars, forklifts steer from the rear tires. This permits the forklift to turn in a very small radius. The reverse and forward controls of the transmission are located on the steering column.