Forks in warehouses 

Forklift trucks are most commonly used in warehouses. They are characterised by front-mounted forks that enable pallets to be lifted and transported. They are therefore indispensable in the stock of any well-organised warehouse. Many companies are still looking for employees who are certified to drive and maintain forklifts.  

Basic design 

construction of lifting vehicles

There are currently three types of forklifts manufactured: electric, combustion and gas. These devices consist of: 

  • lifting system equipped with mastwhich can be up to a dozen metres long; 
  • pitchfork allowing goods to be lifted on pallets; 
  • faceplateto which the mast and forks are attached; 
  • safety framework; 
  • control systemwhich is distinguished by the steering wheel and pedals, lever. The proper operation of a forklift consists of several systems that are familiar from other vehicles, including, among others, the lifting or transmission system. 

There are the following types of forklift trucks: 

Division of forklift trucks 
Systematic Used in warehouses because of their light weight and manoeuvrability. 
Lifters Used to carry heavier loads. 
Suspended They enable transport together with goods. 
Lateral Suitable for handling goods of unusual dimensions and for use in smaller spaces where there is little room for manoeuvre. 
Explosion-proof Created for the transport of hazardous materials. 
Lifters  (high storage) They have longer masts, allowing materials to be stored at higher heights.   
Gate Their frame is shaped like a gate and embraces the goods being transported. 

Use of electric lift vehicles 

Currently, these machines also support the work of, among others. in hydraulics, agriculture, the food industry, the judiciary and even at the airport. So forklifts have a broader application than just in logistics centres, factories, production plants or shop floors. 

Powers required to operate 

To operate forklifts you must: 

  • complete vocational training as a forklift operator; 
  • pass a state examination before a board appointed by the UDT. 
types of forklift trucks

On a specialised forklift operator course, the candidate learns everything from scratch. Most often, the courses are divided into a theoretical part - preparing, among other things, for the construction of the equipment, health and safety rules or correct operation - and a practical part, i.e. exercises in operating the forklift truck.  

After such training, the candidate operator passes a state examination before an examination board appointed by the Office of Technical Inspection. 

The UDT qualification obtained for forklift trucks is valid for 10 or five years, depending on the type (operator or maintainer). 

Entitlements are therefore divided as follows: 

  • Powered stacker trucks, excluding reach trucks and straddle carrier trucks - validity: 10 years; 
  • powered stacker trucks with mechanical lifting with boom and powered stacker trucks with operator lifting with load (also authorising the operation of all other powered stacker trucks) - validity: 5 years.  

Questions and answers

What does a forklift truck consist of?

Each forklift is equipped with a lifting system, forks, faceplate, cab and safety frame. In addition, it can have interchangeable attachments, i.e. grippers, side shift, handles or a turntable.  

What types of lift vehicles are there?

With regard to the construction, we distinguish between system forklifts, lift trucks, lateral suspension forklifts, explosion-proof forklifts and gantry forklifts. With regard to the drive we divide them into: electric, diesel and manual.