Developed
in the first half of the 20th century, forklift has become an
indispensable machinery for many manufacturing and warehousing
industries. It is an industrial vehicle mainly used to move and lift
materials through steel forks which is inserted under the loads.
Forklift mainly move loads stored on pallets.
Mechanical Operations
Forklift trucks are generally powered by an LPG, gasoline or diesel
fueled internal combustion engine or electric motor which is powered by
battery. Counterweight which compensate for the load is at the rear of
the machine. Load is lowered, raised and tilted by the mast which is
operated hydraulically and consists of a cylinder and interlocking
rails.
The other component carriage, moves along the mast by means of chains.
Carriage is attached to the forks by means of hook or latch. The front
portion is inserted under the load usually on a pallet. For controlling
the machine there is a operator cab with levers, pedals, switches and
steering wheel. Forklift trucks are available in many variations and
load capacities.
Applications
The applications of forklift are :
- Lifting and moving of pallets.
- Transporting of materials to the jobsite.
- To move materials to various construction sites like buildings,
roads, highways, dams etc.
