A Comprehensive Guide to Forklifts and who Uses Them

Forklifts are an essential piece of machinery that are widely used in multiple industries. In order to have a smooth and efficient operation, forklifts are non-negotiable, whether it’s a construction site, warehouse, or retail environment.. This blog will help you have a clear understanding and more in-depth knowledge of forklifts and what industry uses them.

What is a Forklift?

An industrial truck which is used for short distance lifting of materials is called a forklift. It has two metal prongs called ‘forks’ which stick out the front or side of the  truck. The forks slide under whatever object you are trying to move and elevate them. There are several types of forklifts and each have different functions.

How Do Forklifts Work?

Forklifts operate on the basis that the weight at the front is balanced by the weight at the rear; this is called a “counterbalance” weight. Below is a short overview of how forklifts work in more detail.

•  Power source: The two types of power sources for forklifts are internal combustion engines (fuelled by petrol, diesel, or LPG) or electrical batteries. The power source can have an impact on the effectiveness of the machine, cost-effectiveness, and maintenance requirements as a result of what operating environments they have been used in.
•  Mast and Forks: The big metal prongs that slide beneath the heavy objects are called forks. The mast is the vertical component that does all of the actual heavy lifting. The operator mast can be extended or retracted to the correct height.
•  Counterbalance: The counterbalance weight is a counterweight located at the back of the forklift that is used to keep the forklift balanced when carrying heavy loads. This weight ensures stability, which is essential to stop the forklift from toppling over when in use.
•  Hydraulic System: Most forklifts tend to have a built-in hydraulic system that is used to lower and raise the mast and forks. The operator can control this mechanism from inside the cab.
•  Steering and Control: Forklifts can be considered unique machines, as unlike most, they use their rear wheels when turning. This means they have excellent manoeuvrability and can turn in very tight spaces. The operator can control the speed, direction, and lift functions of the forklift by using the steering wheel, pedals, and levers, which are found on the inside of the cab.

Common Applications of Forklifts

Forklifts are used widely across multiple types of operations and industries for various purposes. Below are some of the most common applications:

•  Warehousing and Distribution: Forklifts are absolutely essential in a warehouse for moving pallets and other heavy objects. Forklifts are very unique for their purpose, which includes stacking things on shelves, unloading trucks and moving products efficiently. They make operations run more smoothly due to their multi-purpose and easy use and also significantly improve time efficiency.
•  Construction: On construction sites, forklifts main purpose is to transport heavy materials in short amounts of time. These can consist of steel beams, concrete blocks and multiple other construction materials.
•  Manufacturing: In manufacturing plants, forklifts are used to move raw materials, finished products and components around site. Once you hit certain stages of production, the product will need to be moved around site to access different work areas. They also assist in loading and unloading delivery trucks.
•  Retail: Large retail stores need forklifts to help move around stock which is regularly bought in bulk and typically delivered on pallets. These products would then be moved to the shop floor and the old products would need to be moved too; all of this would require a forklift.
•  Recycling Operations: Recycling facilities often have to move around large quantities of recyclable materials, including paper, plastic, metal and other materials. All of which would need to be transported to processing areas. These processing areas help with organising and loading materials onto conveyor belts or in some circumstances, trucks.
•  Dockyards and Ports: Forklifts are essential for dockyards and ports because they are needed to move things like containers, cargo, and other heavy loads. They are also crucial in ensuring an efficient and smooth loading and unloading process in these fast-paced environments.

Businesses That Use Forklifts

Forklifts are versatile machines used across various industries. Here’s a look at the types of businesses that commonly rely on forklifts:

• Retail Warehouses: Large retail chains that have big bulk storage facilities require forklifts  to ensure inventory and products are moved safely, smoothly, and efficiently onto shelves or other places temporarily.
• Recycling Plants: Forklifts are essential for these types of businesses as they rely on them to handle and transport the heavy recyclable materials. Forklifts being a part of this operation make it run a lot smoother and more efficiently.
• Agricultural Businesses: Agricultural businesses massively rely on the help of forklifts due to them often needing to move heavy loads of things like feed, large quantities of produce, and other heavy materials. Forklifts are particularly useful in farms, granaries, and other distribution centres.
• Distribution centres and logistics companies: These companies rely significantly on forklifts to handle big loads of cargo and provide effective loading, unloading, and storage. 
• Construction Companies: At construction companies, forklifts are essential for moving large objects/materials around a site; therefore, this makes them essential for efficient and smooth site runs operations.
• Manufacturing Plants: Forklifts are an indispensable piece of machinery to the daily operations of manufacturing facilities; they are often used for transporting raw materials or for the processing of completed goods.

Forklifts are a vital piece of machinery for multiple operations in today’s industrial environments because they have the capability to move large loads efficiently, which improves the overall function of most operations. Forklifts are used in various circumstances for multiple purposes..

If you’re in need of any information about forklifts or are looking to improve operations with a forklift of your own, contact us at PHL today.