Are you thinking of becoming a forklift operator? Here at the Forklift Truck Training Centre we offer a wide range of training modules for different types of forklift models – but what are the different types of forklift and what are they designed to do?
A counterbalance forklift is the model which is most commonly used by all warehousing and distribution hubs. This sort of truck is often used to unload LGV’s, working on loading docks or moving products around the warehouse floor space. A counterbalance truck is categorized as a Class 1 truck in material handling.
A reach truck is the type of lift truck predominantly used for going up and down the aisles of a distribution depot. Due to its versatility and the fact it can navigate very narrow aisles this is an essential part of modern warehousing. They can come in a variety of styles including standing / sitting positions for operators and there are those that raise the operator up and down too.
A flexi-truck is a specialist warehouse forklift truck and is essentially a hybrid crossover of a counterbalance and a reach truck. They are referred to as ‘flexi’ or ‘bendi’ due to the front axle steering the unit. These specialist trucks are suited best to indoor environments, working in narrow aisles and lifting to high racks in high density warehouse storage setups.
A powered pallet truck (PPT), also known as a pedestrian stacker truck & low-level order picker, is the basic warehouse workhorse; they handle goods at ground level, assembling orders, marshalling pallets, loading and unloading vehicles and a host of other important tasks. You can also commonly find these on the back of HGV trucks to assist drivers with daily deliveries.
For more information about our forklift training services, contact us on 03333 442949 or [email protected].
It’s fair to say that in many warehouses’ forklifts are heavily relied upon to ensure a smooth operation. As such, it’s easy to miss the signs that your forklift is well past its best, which can have a big impact on the efficiency of your warehouse. Here’s what you need to look out for when a forklift is ready for retirement.
Is it worth trading in? If you’re surprised by the low trading value of your forklift, chances are it’s time to look for something new sooner rather than later!
Decreased productivity. More maintenance on a forklift has a big impact on productivity. If a forklift is out of action more and more, not only are the lost hours of work a problem but the cost of repairs can result in a big loss of money. Also, older forklifts won’t have the latest tech and efficiency improvements, meaning it simply won’t have the same productivity levels as a newer model.
Growing maintenance costs. Maintaining forklifts is important – regardless of how old a forklift is. However, if you’re noticing that maintenance is getting more and more costly, it might be time to consider replacing it with a newer model.
Yes, a new forklift can be pricey – but delaying making the investment could be even more costly!
For more information about our forklift training services, contact us on 03333 442949 or [email protected].
It goes without saying that forklifts play a huge part in any busy warehouse. As such a key piece of equipment, it’s vital they are looked after properly to avoid long term damage. Here’s our advice for keeping your forklift in top condition.
Adapt your maintenance schedule as required. Over the years its important to keep an eye on maintenance trends for each vehicle – by assessing the needs of your equipment in previous years, you can adapt your maintenance schedule to avoid unnecessary problems in the future.
Where are you keeping your forklift? When you’re not using your forklift, make sure it is kept somewhere dry. Reducing the risk of exposing the forklift to the elements will protect vital components and electrical parts, ensuring your vehicle is in top working condition for the long haul.
Look after your battery. The battery is a crucial part of your forklift and any leaks or damage to it can leave the whole forklift out of action. Check the battery regularly in a dry place to ensure you minimise the risk of oxidation.
For more information about our FLT forklift training services, contact us on 03333 442949 or [email protected]
Forklifts are an incredibly important and useful addition to any warehouse – but not properly loaded they can be incredibly dangerous. It’s vital that you avoid forklift overturns at all times – here’s our top tips.
Plan your load. Don’t overload the forklift and make sure you load it with care, spreading the load evenly. Consider the nature of the load as well, whether or not the product you’re carrying is stable – if not, you may need to adjust your driving.
Think about the environment. Check the condition of the surfaces you’ll be driving on before setting off, and note any slopes or changes to the surfaces so you can adjust your driving accordingly.
Keep it smooth. Lower your forks when driving to increase your stability and drive slowly and smoothly – keep a consistent speed and react to turning corners early to avoid any mistakes caused by late reactions.
Be safe. Wear a seatbelt and adhere to all safety measures at all times – if you’re not sure what they are, make sure you do your homework!
For more information about our forklift training services, contact us on 03333 442949 or [email protected]
Don’t get us wrong, there aren’t groups of people out in the woods for days to get a picture of a forklift like there are for Bigfoot. But that doesn’t stop the people from creating myths and rumours about forklifts.
In today’s age, it can be difficult to tell which of these myths are true, and which are false. Besides, if HairyTrucker478 on Twitter claims that his brother’s bosses’ wife says it’s true, it must be true… right?
Luckily for you, we’re here to set the record straight. Here are 6 forklift truck myths, and the facts behind them.
You Need a Forklift License – False… Kind Of.
Bottom line – there is no such thing as a forklift license. So, technically, this is false.
This is a myth as there is no such thing as a forklift license. This is based in truth, however. As not anybody can drive a forklift in a professional environment.
To drive a forklift professionally, you’ll need official certification. This shows that you’ve taken the appropriate courses and have proven to have the skills necessary in order to operate a forklift truck safely. This certification is often mistaken as a license. This is why we say that needing a forklift license is false. Because it is. You need a forklift certification instead…
Operating a Forklift Is Easy – False.
Again, this comes down to how you word this.
Driving a forklift is, for the most part, straight forward. If you’re able to drive motorised vehicles such as cars and lorry’s, then you’re most likely able to drive a forklift. Your turning circle is drastically different when comparing a forklift and a lorry, for example. But, other than this, you’re probably able to drive a forklift with little to no issues.
However, this myth is that ‘operating a forklift is easy’, not driving. Because driving and operating are two completely different things.
Operating a forklift includes manoeuvring the vehicle whilst carrying heavy or fragile loads. It also includes the lifting and placing of heavy or fragile goods, whilst adhering to health and safety regulations, whilst also hitting deadlines. So, the idea that operating a forklift can be easy is flat out wrong. If anything, operating a forklift in a busy warehouse is one of the hardest jobs in the industry.
Forklift Training Doesn’t Have to Cost a Lot – True.
As soon as people see the word ‘training’, they automatically assume it’ll be expensive. But it’s not as expensive as you may think.
As a business, training your employees to be qualified forklift operators can be a smart move. Just one forklift operator can improve the productivity of your business immensely. So, imagine what 4 or 5 can do.
If you’re searching for a new job, a forklift qualification can be a great asset to your CV, allowing you to apply for a wider range of jobs. Some of which will pay more than those that do not require a forklift qualification.
Considering day rates for forklift training are around £80 to £90, with an average of 3-5 days needed, it’s a cheap price for the benefit it brings. Therefore, we consider this ‘myth’ to be true.
Experienced Forklift Operators May Still Need Supervision – True.
In many job positions, the experienced members of staff do not need as much supervision. With some needing none at all. However, even experienced forklift operators will require supervision from time to time.
“But why? If they’re qualified and experienced, they don’t need it!” I hear you saying. And please, allow me to explain why this ‘myth’ is true.
Experience and qualifications are needed in order to drastically reduce the risk of injury whilst operating a forklift. However, they don’t eliminate every risk. And this is what even experienced forklift operators will need supervision for.
For example, limited visibility is an issue every forklift operator will face, often on a regular basis. This is not something you can train for or have enough experience to never encounter. There are always going to be variables that will affect your performance. Variables that can be helped with the use of supervision.
Therefore, we consider this ‘myth’ to be true.
Electric Forklifts Are More Hassle Than Regular Ones – False.
If we had a penny for every time we’d heard this myth, we’d have about £2.04.
Every style of forklift (gas, diesel, and electric) comes with both benefits and disadvantages. Each type is suited to a different environment, business, and use. So, to dismiss a specific style of forklift because they ‘are more hassle than regular ones’ is insane. Not to mention that we’re not sure what these people mean when they say ‘regular ones’.
Learning to Drive a Forklift Is like Learning to Drive Any Other Vehicle – False…Kind Of.
As we’ve mentioned earlier, the driving part of using a forklift is considered the easiest part. As, in this sense, they’re simple vehicles. However, no business will use forklifts for human transport only. Therefore, operating the various features of the forklift can be considered part of ‘driving’ a forklift.
So, if we’re taking this statement literally, then yes, learning to drive a forklift is like learning to drive any other vehicle. However, seeing as a large part of using a forklift involves elements not found in driving the likes of a car or lorry, this myth is false. Kind of.
