When it comes to heavy industrial equipment, lift trucks are some of the most versatile vehicles out there. Whether you’re lifting conventionally-sized loads in a warehouse, or need to hoist shipping containers onto a flatbed truck, there’s a lift truck that’ll get the job done. Here are five types of lift trucks commonly used across different industries:
The Electric Counterbalance Lift Truck
Far and away the most common variety, the electric counterbalance lift truck is a staple of most warehouses and factories. Powered by long-lasting batteries and featuring a hybrid of counterbalance and leverage to lift and lower loads, these trucks are reliable and easy to maneuver. They come in both three wheel and four-wheel configurations and can be customized to lift in excess of 6,000 pounds.
The Rough Terrain Lift Truck
Where the electric counterbalance lift truck falls short is in outdoor environments that might not have perfectly level surfaces. The answer to this challenge is the rough terrain lift truck. These trucks can be gasoline or diesel powered, with large, knobby tires and reinforced axles. They’re capable of lifting well over 10,000 pounds and often have 4-wheel-drive functionality for increased grip.
The Side Loader Lift Truck
When working with particularly long or large loads, you’ll want to consider a side loader lift truck. Unlike counterbalance varieties, side loaders load and unload from the side rather than the front or back of the truck. This makes them ideal for lumber yards, container ports, and other facilities that deal with odd-shaped items. They’re available with a wide range of lift heights and capacities and can be electric, gas, or diesel powered.
The Walkie Stacker Lift Truck
Where space is at a premium, the walkie stacker lift truck provides a perfect solution. As its name suggests, this type is manually operated by a member of your warehouse staff, reducing the need for larger pieces of machinery. They’re perfect for compact warehouses or facilities where ceiling clearance is low. Walkie stackers are lightweight but can lift loads up to 4,000 pounds and feature a maneuverable wide-stanced design.
The Telescopic Handling Lift Truck
When it comes to outdoor construction environments, the telescopic handling lift truck reigns supreme. With a long reach and high clearance, these trucks are capable of maneuvering across uneven terrain and lifting extremely heavy loads (up to 50,000 pounds!). They’re used most commonly in mines, quarries, and construction sites and can feature multiple steering modes for precision control.
Conclusion
There’s no single “right” type of lift truck that fits every situation, but with these five options in mind, you’re already ahead of the game. Always consider the specific demands of your job and the work environment before purchasing or leasing a lift truck. With the right selection, you’ll be able to move products and materials with ease, improving your overall efficiency and reducing overall labor costs. Learn more about the topic with this suggested external resource. osha forklift certification https://www.ferraridrivingschool.com/osha-certification/forklift-training/, uncover additional details and fresh viewpoints on the topic covered in this piece.
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