Types Of Forklifts Used In Construction

A forklift is used in many different industries to transport, move, and place objects from place to place. It is valuable machinery in the construction industry. Without these, workers have to lift heavy building materials from long distances and high elevations while risking their health and safety. It would also take a long time to complete buildings. Investing in a forklift will speed up the building process, while also make it safer. There are many options from small to large, and from indoor to outdoor use. How can you choose one for your specific construction needs? Keep on reading to know more.

1. Warehouse forklifts

While warehouse forklifts are made to be used in warehouses, these can also be used in different environments where transporting goods is needed. Warehouse forklifts are small trucks with two flat forks in front. This is where objects are loaded and unloaded. Warehouse forklifts on construction sites are used to take building materials from delivery trucks and move them around the site.

There are 2 subtypes of warehouse forklifts: counterbalance forklifts and side loader forklifts. Counterbalance forklifts have the fork in the front of the vehicle, and a weight at the back for balance. High capacity counterbalance forklifts can carry pallets of bricks and concrete.

Side loader forklifts are used in loading and unloading pipes and timber from a rack. The forklift moves in a sideways operation, which makes it easier to transport objects without having to turn.

1. Rough terrain forklift

The ground where you will use your forklift won’t be always flat and smooth. Sometimes you will need something designed for off-road lifting. Just like the name itself, rough terrain forklifts are designed to withstand uneven surfaces and rocky roads. This is why they are perfectly made for outdoor construction sites.

The tires of rough terrain forklifts are made tough to withstand uneven ground. They are different from standard forklift tires as they are oversized and have thicker threads. This allows the forklift to have more balance and stability not just on dry and dusty ground, but also on wet and slippery sites. When you are driving through unstable grounds, you want to be sure that the forklift won’t fall to its side.

Investing in rough terrain forklifts will make it easier to transport and manage plywood, roof beams, and concrete. This forklift can handle weight from 6000 up to 8000 pounds

1. Telehandler

A telehandler, short for the telescopic handler, is a combination of both a crane and a forklift. It is used to lift objects from the ground and into higher places. A telescope is an object that can be extended and shortened when not in use. The telescoping mechanism in this forklift is seen in the long arm that extends from the body of the forklift which acts as a crane to pick up objects.

The difference between a telehandler with other forklifts is its capacity to move objects front and back while staying in place. A telehandler can carry objects weighing 5,500 pounds and lifting it to 19 feet above the ground. This is useful in a construction site because it adds precision in placing building materials at odd angles.

1. Industrial forklift

Industrial forklifts are found somewhere between a warehouse forklift and a telehandler. It can move on flat uneven ground while being able to lift objects higher than a warehouse forklift can. Its special feature is having a greater capacity in lifting heavier objects than a standard forklift. An industrial forklift can carry up to 30,000 pounds of objects.

1. Pallet Jack

Pallets are horizontal platforms that protect objects while in transportation. Pallet jacks are more compact than other forklifts. In exchange for not being able to carry heavy loads, pallet jacks can carry objects into small spaces. This type of forklift is used to carry objects from one point to another. Investing in a pallet jack will make it easier to transport objects around a construction site. 

1. Walkie Stacker

A walkie stacker is a taller version of a pallet jack. It is used when reaching materials from high places. This type of forklift doesn’t have an operator sitting inside a cab, and it is steered by a handle behind the machine. It reaches higher places than a pallet jack would.

Key Takeaway

A forklift is used in many industries that require heavy lifting and faster transportation of goods from place to place. It can be your best investment if you work in the construction industry. There are many things you can’t do by yourself without relying on this powerful piece of machinery. It will make lifting heavy building materials around the site and bringing it up to high places easier. Whatever you need: may it be transporting 3,000 pounds of pipes or 30,000 pounds of cement, or transporting materials indoor or outdoor, there is a forklift that will fit your construction needs.