Walkie Forklifts
Walkie forklifts are smaller versions of the heavier duty forklift trucks, but they are used for the same purposes of lifting, moving, and stacking goods and materials. Walkies are typically customized for specific heights or operations and can carry a load capacity up to 3,500 pounds.
Quick links to Walkie Forklifts Information
Walkie Forklift Design and Function
Walkie forklifts operate by electric power and are typically controlled by an operator directing from behind. The motor powers the forklift to move the heavy load. The higher the voltage of the battery supply, the greater the power and lifting capacity a forklift will have. Walkies are most commonly counterbalanced to prevent the vehicle from tipping over due to the combination of load weight and motion, especially when moving on a grade or around a turn. Other types of industrial trucks will use stabilizing legs and heavy duty masts, which provide added structural strength to the procedure. Walkie forklifts have optional foldable platforms, multiple lowering speeds, and varying fork lengths and lift heights.
Safety Factors to Consider When Purchasing Walkie Forklifts
Safety concerns are important to take into consideration when using walkie forklifts. As with all other types of forklifts, operators have to be competent and well trained before controlling the vehicle. It is important to never move the forklift vehicle with a raised load, as this offsets the balance of the machine.
Benefits of Using Walkie Forklifts
These are ideal vehicles for stacking in narrow or congested areas and those which require minimal turning circles and superior maneuverability. The proportional ergonomics and hydraulics of walkie forklifts allow for more sensitive lifting and lowering, as well as increased operator comfort, which is an important element of industrial activity. The motor which helps to move the vehicle improves speed and ease of operation, and when it is not engaged, the electric forklift will be stationary.
Notable Types of Walkie Forklifts
The three main types of walkie forklift are forklift-fork-over, straddle leg, and counterbalanced. Narrow aisle facilities use forkover trucks, as they are the best designed for stacking in constricted spaces. Straddle leg trucks are designed with a stabilization leg, allowing the forklifts to manage heavy loads and maximum heights. Counterbalanced forklifts contain additional weights in the body of the truck that work against the weight of the load being handled. Counterbalanced forklifts are used instead of straddle-leg lifts when the stabilization leg prevents placing pallets close together. The extra weight prevents the forklift from toppling over when a load is raised or lowered by countering the applied tension of the load.