Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Specialized Equipment Forklift



Specialized Equipment Forklift For Efficient and Safe Product Handling


By Christine OKelly



Depending what you will need lifting equipment for, you might have need for pallet jacks, scissor lifts, and specialized forklift parts to perform each task safely and efficiently. Some jobs will call for the maneuverability of pallet jacks and others need the height and stability of scissor jacks while some jobs need the strength, speed, and convenience of forklift. Parts can sometimes be added to these machines to lift loads of a certain type, or even to lift people for repair work and other jobs.



These resemble the forks of larger equipment without the bulk of the entire machine. They will only raise the load far enough off the floor to move the item rather than to great heights like a forklift or scissor jack. A manual style requires human strength to move across the floor and a pump handle with a switch to raise and lower the items. Electric powered styles are also available, making it possible to move heavier objects and relocate them greater distances more efficiently. In many cases, pallet jacks are needed in addition other equipment. Unfortunately, they are a poor choice outdoors and on uneven terrain.



These machines work similar to an automotive scissor in that they have a series of metal bars set in a crisscross fashion to give the equipment added power and stability. Those with a flat platform work well in situations where items need to be elevated to a large height while having superior stability such as an elevated loading dock. These are also available with safety cages to hold workers and equipment while working at an elevated height.


Specialized Forklift Parts


These large machines are ideal for moving and rising loads great distances. Depending on the shape and type of load you are working with, you may need special accessories to get the job done properly. A carpet warehouse, for example, would find a special rod called a carpet pole moves large rolls easier than trying to hold them on a set of straight forks. Mountable bins for garbage and safety platforms designed to keep workers safe while working off the forks are also helpful in many situations. Fork mounted booms can help lower and hold loads for special construction projects.

In some situations, you may only need to change the surface of the forks. Padding, sleeves, and slip resistant rubber pads are ideal for moving smooth items that can slip off the machine or need to be protected against scratching and wear like sheets of glass for instance. For certain types of palettes, standard forks might need extensions in order to reach far enough across the load to lift it properly. Industries that move items such as oil or chemical drums will find drum lift parts or curved forks work the best.
When looking at various lifting equipment, be sure to compare the load ratings and other features with the machines to ensure you get the best one for your business. Whether you have a carpet factory in Minneapolis or a warehouse in Chicago, pallet jacks, forklift parts, and other equipment can be purchased in addition to the original machine to make the job even easier.

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