forklift with load
Forklifts are industrial trucks for internal goods handling . The main areas of application are the transport of pallets and the operation of storage racks. The central element is the lifting unit consisting of a lifting mast and fork carriage. Forklifts have their own drive, enable lifting heights of up to six meters and can lift one to eight tons. lift, sometimes significantly more.
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.
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.
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 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.
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The models, also known as V-forklifts, run on diesel fuel.
Advantages:
A disadvantage is the higher operating costs compared to electric forklifts.
As an alternative to diesel fuel, operation can be carried out with natural gas or LPG.
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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:
The disadvantage is the higher acquisition costs.
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.
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The manufacturers offer these practical helpers in different versions. There are different types of forklifts :
Other distinguishing features include:
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.
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.
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