Forklift

A forklift is a motorised goods mover used in industry. Its name comes from the fact that it has projecting “forks” at the front. These are fitted to a combined lifting system that consists of a mast, tilt cylinders and a backrest to restrain the load. The forks are inserted into the slots of a wooden pallet with the load on it. It is then lifted off the ground and moved. The forklift can hoist the load up into the air to deposit on a higher shelf.

Forklifts started to resemble the modern type after the 1920s, when companies such as the transmission manufacturer Clark invented them for use in their factories. As is often the case, necessity was the father of invention, and the primitive first iterations of the modern forklift no doubt moved many a heavy transmission system within the factory walls.

The modern forklift may have a diesel, petrol, gas or electric motor. They vary greatly in capacity: some are rated to lift a few hundred kilograms and others can lift up to fifty tons. The heavy capacity types are used to move large shipping containers.

In line with the load rating of the forklift, a suitable counterweight is fitted to the rear of the vehicle frame to counterbalance the load that is lifted. However, due consideration must still be given to the physics involved, to avoid accidents. Too heavy a load may cause the forklift to tip over. When a forklift is fitted with telescopic forks that can move the load away from the forklift body, even a load within the permissible weight may cause the forklift to tip over. This is because the centre of gravity moves when the load moves. Centrifugal forces can also upset a forklift’s stability if a load is lifted high and a corner is negotiated too quickly.

A forklift is an indispensable part of modern industry, but it must always be operated by qualified personnel.

 

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Forklift rentals from 1 day to long term rentals at competitive rates.

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We offer service packages to keep your forklift in top running order.

Tyres

Professionally fitted on your site at no additional cost.