Forklift

Another equipment that is commonly used in the distribution centre is forklift.

Forklift is defined as a powered industrial vehicle used to lift and transport materials in free path.

This is normally done by means of steel forks inserted under the load. Forklifts are most commonly used to move loads stored on pallets.

It is powered using liquefied petroleum gas – petrol or diesel fueled internal combustion engine or an electric motor(s) either direct current or alternating current powered by either battery or fuel cells.

Unlike cars, forklift is normally reared – steer.
On top of the control to rise and lower the prong, the operator can tilt the mast to compensate for a load’s tendency to angle the blades toward the ground and risk slipping off the forks. Tilt also provides a limited ability to operate on non-level ground. Furthermore, a number of machines allow the operator to shift the tines and backrest sideways, permitting the tines to be rotated. In addition, several machines offer a hydraulic control to shift the tines together or apart, which enable the operator to automatically adjust the differently sized load from the vehicle.

Forklift trucks are available in many variations and load capacities. The following are the several types which are commonly used in a distribution centre.

1. Empty container handler
2. Full container handler
3. Conventional forklift
4. Heavy lift
5. Side Loading

Currently, there are four companies dominating the counterbalanced forklift market in terms of worldwide sales. They are:
1. Toyota Industries Corporation
2. KION Group
3. Jungheinrich
4. NACCO Industries, Inc.