The construction industry would likely be lost without its favored machine, the forklift. This piece of equipment is probably used for just about anything in a warehouse to almost any work site. Find out how forklifts work at https://science.howstffworks.com/transport-engines-equipment/forklift.htm.

It comes in varied sizes and shapes with the capacity to carry as great as 50,000 pounds with a minimum of roughly 5000 pounds for most industrial models like those from the Sun Equipment Forklift Dealer offering different examples. These can be used for various purposes in a few settings.

It can become second nature for those who use these machines regularly with the thought process that there’s nothing you don’t know about what is likely a very durable and valuable piece of equipment for the job force.

That might not necessarily be true. Some facts even those responsible for selling the forklifts might be unaware of. Let’s look at a few details to see if you know.

Fun Facts About Forklifts You Might Not Know

While you’re busy operating the equipment, there’s generally little time to research and learn the facts about the machines. Forklifts are no exception. Even dealers like Sun Equipment Forklift Dealer likely are not aware of all the fun facts there are to know, but then again, they might surprise you.

The machines are available in varied sizes and shapes and for different purposes in a few settings, indicating it is relatively versatile. It is primarily a piece of heavy equipment the construction industry finds paramount to efficiently completing their work.

It becomes exceptionally familiar when you’re responsible for operation on a daily day-in and out basis.

Does that mean you’ve gotten to know it personally? Perhaps but then again, maybe not. Check out some of these facts to see if the dealer and the operator know their stuff.

●     Varied types

There are an array of forklifts available, each with a different purpose. Among the most common references is the “counterbalance.” These are responsible for any sort of material handling.

Traditionally these are four-wheelers, but you can find trucks with three-wheels meant to handle tight areas or more narrow rows. A “Reach” truck works in a warehouse atmosphere where there is the capacity for high levels of storage space.

The lift extends to grab these materials in the tallest location. A “powered pallet” can maneuver in close spaces while transporting either skids or smaller packages. A “side-loader” is fitted with forks on each side of the truck, carrying loads deemed too heavy for a front-loader.

For a “monster” of a forklift made to gain access to heights no other vehicle will reach, you have the “teletruk” or “telescopic handler.” Go here to learn the different types of forklifts.

●     The original forklift

The “precursor” to the machines more familiar today was a battery-operated lift truck responsible for carrying war materials in World War I. It originated in 1906. Innovations led to a more current variation in the 1960s.

●     Not as dangerous as reported

Workers need to undergo extensive safety testing to acquire a specific license to operate a forklift. Claims indicate there are actually “less than 1% workforce accidents” related to these machines.

They are, however, responsible for roughly “10%” of injuries that happen on a job site. A method for managing these injuries and accidents is to incorporate speed limits throughout the work areas with the equipment permitted no greater than “8 mph” unless there are people in the area. Then it decreases to “3 mph.”

●     ATM theft

More thieves are using the forklift as an accomplice in ATM robberies. While the guilty party might be able to drag the cash box from its perch using the forklift’s massive power, the heavy equipment won’t be able to open the box for the thieves.

That will be their conundrum. It might be one needing a rapid resolution since many ATMs are fitted with GPS trackers creating a bit more trouble than a thief might anticipate.

Final Thought

These are merely a few interesting and maybe a fun fact or two that some people might not be aware of when it comes to their heavy equipment. Now, if you’re a dealer like Sun Equipment, you can test your customer’s knowledge. Some might surprise you.