Forklift
Why Choose Us?
Reliable Product Quality
Shandong Match Machinery Co., Ltd is specialized in Aerial Work Platform and Material handing equipment, we are one of the leading manufactures of lifting equipment in China. With great experience in manufacturing and exporting.
Wide Product Range
Our products covers 10 categories, more than 80 kinds of product, including stationary scissor lift, self propelled scissor lift, mobile scissor lift, mini scissor lift, order picker, aluminum work platform, dock ramp, electric stacker and many kinds of lifting equipment.
Advanced Production Equipment
With high and new technologies, the Company has advanced and award-winning processing equipment such as automatic bending robot and laser cutting machine imported from Germany, Hamada NC punch press imported from Japan, large automated surface coating production line and general assembly production line, etc.
Wide range of applications
Our products are widely used all over the world. In the initial stage, marked by the successful manufacturing of series of aerial working platforms and entering main countries in Europe, America and Asia, the enterprise pursued the transformation from China quantity to China quality.
Professional Service
We have professional pre-sales, sales and after-sales services, pre-sales will fully understand the needs of customers, customize on demand, provide OEM services, sales will provide visual services, daily update production completion, so that customer satisfaction rest assured, after-sales to provide online technical support and free parts support within 2 years, fully maintain new and old customers.
What is Forklift?
Forklift is a small industrial vehicle, having a power operated forked platform attached at the front that can be raised and lowered for insertion under a cargo to lift or move it. Forklifts serve the needs of various industries including warehouses and other large storage facilities. Forklifts are powered by electric battery or combustion engines. Some Forklifts allow the operators to sit while driving and operating the machine while others require the operator to stand. It is being extensively used throughout the industry for transporting materials and goods.
Advantages of Forklift
Heavy load lifting
Firstly, forklifts allow the operator to safely lift heavy loads. Forklifts with a high weight capacity enable the operator to transport large amounts of inventory that even a team of employees wouldn’t be able to carry. Where typically multiple employees were required to transport inventory, one operator can manage significantly larger loads, meaning you can complete more tasks in a short period of time and with less manpower.
Increased productivity
Similarly, forklifts lead to increased productivity, with only one team member required to complete a job that typically required a whole team of employees. Many forklift models allow the operator to load and unload machinery without having to step off the forklift. By being able to move more materials at once, and cover greater distances of your warehouse in less time, you can start to take on more loads and meet deadlines quicker. This in combination, leads to a greater, more productive workflow.
Flexibility
Forklifts can allow you to complete a number of flexible tasks with more efficiency. When selecting which forklift model is right for you, it’s important to talk to a forklift expert about the different components of your workplace operations. This way, you can select a versatile forklift model which will assist you in completing a range of diverse tasks.
Maximise your warehouse space
Many businesses can run out of space in their warehouse, and a cramped warehouse can lead to a decline in productivity. Forklifts enable businesses operating in a narrow warehouse environment to be able to store more inventory and better utilise their space. Forklifts allow the operator to stack goods vertically, maximising their warehouse space.
Reduced labour costs
Forklifts allow employees to cover more ground in a shorter time. Being able to transport heavier loads quicker, will allow business owners to save on the cost of wages for multiple employees to complete one task. As a result, you can utilise the time and skills of other employees more efficiently by instructing them to engage in training, business or skill development tasks.
Fewer injury claims and compensation
Manually lifting heavy inventory every day can cause strain on your employees’ bodies, which over time can have an effect on their ability to work efficiently and safely. Forklift operation, on the other hand, is a lot less physically demanding. By reducing the amount of physical labour required, employees can continue to work despite minor injuries.
Improved safety
Previously reliant on cables and pulleys to lift heavy weights, many workers ended up injured or overworked. Forklifts are designed to cause minimal harm to the workers, and if safety protocols are followed correctly, forklifts should help you to create a safe warehouse environment.
Types of Forklift
Articulated Forklift
Articulated forklift trucks, also known as swing mast forklift trucks, are able to load and unload materials in narrow aisles. The fork platform of an articulating forklift truck can be turned right or left without having to move the truck. This allows the truck to face in a straight line as the forks are turned or twisted to access the load. They are ideal for small spaces, small trucks, and cold storage units.
Counterbalance Forklift
Counterbalance forklifts are one of the most common forms of forklifts and come in three and four wheel models. The forks of a counterbalance forklift truck stick out from the front of the truck with legs or arms for stabilization. The name of a counterbalance forklift truck comes from the counterweight at the rear of the truck behind the motor. It is positioned such that it compensates for heavy loads.
Side Loader Forklift
Side loader forklift trucks lift loads from the side and are a narrow aisle form of forklift truck. While the truck for a side loader forklift truck runs in a straight line, its forks hang off to the side. This design makes them ideal for narrow aisles where other forklift trucks cannot maneuver. Side loader forklift truck forks are mounted perpendicular to the body and the direction of the truck’s movement and can rotate 90o with a load.
Reach Forklift
Reach forklift trucks are a form of narrow aisle forklift used in warehouses and have two outer legs to distribute the load with a set of wheels in the back located below the operator. They have a long horizontal platform behind the mast that allows the forklift to pick up bulky and heavy items in high places.
Turret Forklift
A turret truck forklift is a counterbalanced narrow aisle forklift and has an articulating base that rotates the forks 180o. They are ideal for order picking in high rack warehouses and have navigation systems that help them avoid obstacles. Turret trucks can fully rotate their forks while their truck remains immobile. The main mast and front mast of a turret truck forklift extends much higher than a typical forklift, while its steering and safety features are the same as a counterbalanced forklift truck.
Rough Terrain Forklifts
A rough terrain forklift truck is designed to be driven over uneven, rocky, and pot hold surfaces while carrying heavy loads. They are large, heavy, and have tires designed to withstand the demands of a rough rugged surface. Three of the types of rough terrain forklift trucks are telehandler or telescopic, rotating telehandler, and straight mast.
Application of Forklift
Storage Facilities
Since forklifts are for loading and unloading goods, they’re commonly used in storage facilities and warehouses. Different forklift types are used inside warehouses depending on the weight of the goods being transported and the setting.
Construction Sites
On a typical construction site, forklifts carry heavy materials over long and short distances. Materials transported by the forklift range from brick pallets to steel joists. Forklifts are a great asset to any construction site because they combine the functions of a lifting tool and the mobility of a vehicle.
Dockyards
In dockyards, forklifts often transport shipments of goods like steel and wool. Forklifts found in dockyards are usually heavy-duty. They take bulky cargo containers from delivery trucks and transport them to storage regions and then ships.
Recycling Facilities
Forklifts have various uses in recycling facilities, such as unloading containers full of recyclable materials before they reach the sorting bays. You can also find forklift trucks loading and unloading elevators, tractor-trailers, straight trucks, and railway cars.
Snow Plows
Inclement weather—such as snow—can impact an outdoor work setting. Instead of calling up a local plowing company, you can add a purchasable attachment to a forklift to serve as a snowplow. Simply remove the attachment to restore a forklift to its original function.
Components of Forklift
A common forklift is composed of key parts that allow it to lift and transport goods and materials. These parts are the frame, counterweight, power source, carriage, and mast. Here’s a breakdown of each component.
Frame
The frame of a forklift serves as the machine’s base that all following key components attach to. For that reason, the frame is the most important piece of all.
01
Counterweight
The counterweight is attached to the rear part of the forklift’s frame. The function of this component is to counterbalance the load lifted.
02
Power Source
A common forklift uses an internal combustion engine fueled by LPG, CNG, diesel, or natural gas. For an electric forklift, the power comes from either a fuel cell or a lead-acid battery.
03
Carriage
The carriage moves up and down and fastens to the mast rails. This component serves as the base to the forklift.
04
Mast
The mast consists of interlocking rails that give it horizontal control. It’s a vertical piece that lifts and pushes loads down.
05
The forklift is just about as old as the Statue of Liberty and dates back to 1887. The very first version of the forklift was known as a lift truck. But the forklift actually didn’t come first – the pallet did.
The pallet – or a skid as it’s sometimes called – is tied to the industrialization of the United States and was used to stack and move goods and materials. The very first forklift was created to move these pallets to help keep up with the demand of the industrial era. The first lift truck could only lift a pallet off the ground by a few inches. It was a clumsy version of the powerful machines we have today.
The forklift started becoming more popular and powerful as the years passed. In the first decade of the 1900s, the Pennsylvania Railroad invented a platform truck to help move luggage on and off of their trains. The use and demand of the forklift really kicked into overdrive in 1914 when the First World War began.
With much of the labour force off in Europe fighting in the war, interest in the forklift peeked. A powered machine that could help move large quantities of material all at once was a blessing. At the time, many goods such as weapons, clothing and food were packaged to be shipped and needed to be loaded onto trucks and trains. Warehouses themselves didn’t have the same level of manpower, since most of the workforce was overseas. Forklifts began to be seen in factories and shipping houses.
How Does Forklift Work?
Forklifts use a combination of hydraulic systems and pulley systems to carry heavy loads. Each system is broken down further below.
Hydraulic
To lift and lower loads, the hydraulic system on a forklift uses a series of cylinders, pistons, and fluids. To operate the hydraulic system, an operator uses the lift handle to lower or raise the load. The lift handle connects to the pump, which pushes fluid through a tube that leads to hydraulic cylinders. Inside the hydraulic cylinders, the fluid is trapped, creating pressure as more fluid enters. This creates an upward force, moving the piston up. The result is physical equilibrium—when the fluids' force is equal to the load's downward force.
Pulley
The fork that carries the load attaches to a frame with a pair of roller chain pulleys. At the top of the mast, you can find the pulley's fulcrum. The hydraulic pistons will push the masts up, then the gears on the mast press against the roller chains. The mast then moves up, pulling the fork up.
Forklift Controls
The two main controls of a forklift are for steering and lifting. On the surface, these controls seem simple, but there's a reason that you must be certified before using them. Here's a breakdown of each control.
Steering
Like a regular car or golf cart, a forklift uses steering controls such as an accelerator, brake, steering wheel, forward, and reverse. Forklifts differ in the use of rear-wheel drive: the steering wheel controls the wheels in the forklift's rear. This gives operators better control and precision when transporting loads.
Lifting
The lifting controls consist of two levers: one for moving the load up and down and another for tilting the load back and forth. When you push the lifting lever forward, the load moves up; when moving backward, the load moves down. The tilt functions are a bit more complex than the lifting levers.
The real game-changer for forklifts was the invention of the hydraulic-powered lift system. With this technological advancement, the machines could lift more, higher. As the industrialization of the world continued, a standard pallet size became common. This one-size-fits-all standard made the development and application of forklifts much easier.
Just like in WWI, the Second World War spurred forklift use and pushed for more efficient storing methods of materials in warehouses. Some say that it was the second World War that really established the standard we now use for storing materials – including the use of forklifts in almost every warehouse and storage facility around the world.
Since then, most upgrades to the machine have been about comfort, maximizing lifting capacity, and reducing emissions. Today’s forklift often has fuel cell technology, ergonomic cab designs, and even runs off electric power.
How Do I Choose the Right Forklift for My Business Needs?
Budget
Decide if buying, leasing, or renting is best. You will also consider ongoing/deferred costs like fuel, maintenance, and eventual disposal.
Application and operating environment
Consider where your forklift will operate – indoors, outdoors, or both; extreme hot or cold; uneven terrain; narrow aisles or tight spaces. This will dictate the type and model of forklift you choose.
Type of forklift
Based on the application you will select the forklift that fits your needs. Examples are electric or hand pallet jacks, stackers, pickers, counterbalance, reach trucks, turret trucks, articulated forklifts, diesel forklifts, etc.
Operator safety and comfort
What features are available to protect operators, or which ones do you need for the operator? For example, Toyota’s System of Active Stability (SAS) automatically counteracts sudden movements to enhance stability and prevent tip-overs. Check if operators will be working long shifts and select a forklift that can support them.
Load characteristics
Load weights and sizes of the load you’re handling determine the forklift you choose. Diesel forklifts are ideal for very heavy and/or oversized loads. If your loads have unusual shapes that require a special attachment, consider a forklift that can support them.
Lift heights are needed
The “standard” lift height of a forklift is about 15 1/2 feet. Check if you need to reach heights higher than that and select one that fits or exceeds it.
Training
Every operator needs the training to operate a particular forklift. If you invest in the least amount of forklift operator training, you end up paying the most in the long run – in terms of operating costs and accidents. Ensure the forklift comes with available operator training to avoid such costs.
Special considerations
Consider special needs such as environmental pollution or health issues. If medical, you may be limited to electricity to exclude the possibility of emissions.
How often a forklift should be serviced and maintained depends on the type of forklift and use.
● If it's an internal combustion forklift, servicing and maintenance are generally every 200 hours.
● If it's an electric forklift, servicing, and maintenance are generally every 500 hours.
Forklift servicing and maintenance depend on the attributes of the forklift such as the fuel type, the usage environment, existing condition, previous maintenance practices, and other factors listed in our forklift maintenance issues guide. This may mean you need to service the lift truck sooner than the general guidelines. During forklift servicing, always follow the manufacturer's guidelines.
What Safety Precautions Should Be Taken When Operating a Forklift?
OSHA provides the safety precautions that should be undertaken when operating a forklift. Here are some important ones:
● Only trained and certified operators may operate a forklift.
● Always operate a forklift machine according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
● Forklifts should be serviced and maintained regularly to ensure they operate efficiently and safely. More frequent servicing may be required for heavy usage or harsh environments.
● Always wear a seatbelt when operating a forklift.
● Never exceed the rated load and ensure the machine is stable and balanced.
● Keep a safe distance from the platform and ramp edges.
● Have clear visibility of the work area and ensure enough clearance when raising, loading, and operating a forklift.
● Watch for pedestrians and observe the speed limit.
● Ensure operators are trained on the types of trucks in use.
● Repair and maintain the forklift according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Our Factory
Shandong Match Machinery Co., Ltd is specialized in Aerial Work Platform and Material handing equipment, we are one of the leading manufactures of lifting equipment in China. With great experience in manufacturing and exporting.
Ultimate FAQ Guide to Forklift
Q: What are the advantages of a forklift?
Q: Why are forklifts useful?
Q: What are the advantages of a forklift with pulley?
Q: What is better than a forklift?
Q: What are 3 ways that a forklift is different than a vehicle?
Q: Why do forklifts cost so much?
Q: What does OSHA say about forklifts?
Q: Is it easier to drive a forklift or a car?
Q: What are the 3 points of a forklift?
Q: Is a forklift more stable than a car?
Q: Is using a forklift easy?
Q: What is the most important part of a forklift?
Q: Why is being forklift certified a big deal?
Q: Can you wear a hoodie while operating a forklift?
Q: Can you leave a forklift running unattended?
Q: What are the common faults of forklifts?
Q: Are forklifts hard to learn?
Q: What is better than a forklift?
Q: What is the golden rule of forklift operations?
Q: Is it easier to drive a forklift or a car?