Forklifts are simple machines that lift pallets and other heavy loads using a pair of front forks traveling up and down a vertical mast structure. Key considerations when purchasing are lifting capacity and lift height. There are many different types of forklifts. A counterbalanced forklift is the most popular type and has a heavy counter-weight located at the rear. Narrow aisle reach trucks and stackers, are often found in narrow aisles and use two front outer legs called straddles. The straddles are used to counter the weight of the load since no counter weight is present on reach trucks or stackers. Electric walkie pallet jacks are generally found in grocery stores and areas where loads are not required to be lifted more than 6”. Four-way forklifts can move in all four directions and come in a range of different fuels and some are suited for long bulk loads.
Equipment