Uses for forklifts
Forklift trucks have revolutionized the way in which businesses move large and heavy items from place to place. They were first invented during the early part of the twentieth century, and are now an integral part of the modern-day industrial world. The trucks are named after their fork-like prongs, which slide underneath a load and scoop it up, ready to transport it to a new location.
Construction Sites
Construction Sites
- Industrial forklifts are very useful on construction sites, as they can be used to transport heavy building materials over fairly long distances, across rough terrain. They combine the functions of a vehicle and a lifting tool. Forklifts can unload pallets of bricks, steel girders and other construction products from the delivery truck and carry them to parts of the construction site that are not accessible to other vehicles. Many haulage firms now carry truck-mounted forklifts with them, which can be quickly off-loaded and then used to remove the delivery from the trailer and transport the goods to the required location.
- Forklifts are almost indispensable in a large warehouse operation. They are used for loading and unloading trucks and for transporting goods. Forklifts come in many different styles and sizes to suit particular lifting operations. They range from small, pedestrian-operated machines to heavy-duty, driver-operated trucks. Some are compact in order to fit through narrow aisles. Pallet trucks are used for unloading and stacking goods that are delivered on pallets, such as cartons and canned goods. Shelf stackers are used for safely storing goods on shelving and racking systems, sometimes at great heights. An attachment known as a "man basket" can also be used for lifting human beings---for example, to replace an out-of-reach lighting strip. These have railings to prevent the person from falling out, as well as brackets for affixing a safety harness.