Forklift Guide

Florida Lift Equipment is a dedicated nationwide dealer and strives to ensure each and every customer receives the best unit suited for their needs. Please use the guide below to help assist in your decision for which forklift will best suit your needs. For more assistance please contact our main office toll free at 888.745.0577 and ask to speak to one of our sales representatives.

Aerial Work Platforms – Were once exclusively operated by hydraulic pistons, powered by diesel or gasoline motors on the base unit. Lightweight electrically powered units are gaining popularity for window-cleaning or other maintenance operations, especially indoors and in isolated courtyards, where heavier hydraulic equipment cannot be used. Aerial devices are the closest in appearance to a crane- consisting of a number of jointed sections, which can be controlled to extend the lift in a number of different directions, which can often include “up and over” applications.

Scissor Lift – Is a type of platform that can usually only move vertically. The mechanism to achieve this is the use of linked, folding supports in a criss-cross “X” pattern, known as a pantograph (or scissor mechanism). The upward motion is achieved by the application of pressure to the outside of the lowest set of supports, elongating the crossing pattern, and propelling the work platform vertically. The platform may also have an extending “bridge” to allow closer access to the work area, because of the inherent limits of vertical-only movement.

Boom Lift – a hydraulic crane, esp one mounted on a lorry, that has an elbow joint or telescopic arm supporting a basket-like platform enabling a person to service high power lines or to carry out similar operations above the ground.

Forklift truck – (also called a lift truck, a fork truck, or a forklift) is a powered industrial truck used to lift and move materials short distances. Forklifts are rated for loads at a specified maximum weight and a specified forward center of gravity. An important aspect of forklift operation is that most have rear-wheel steering.  While this increases maneuverability in tight cornering situations, it differs from a driver’s traditional experience with other wheeled vehicles.The forklift and load must be considered a unit with a continually varying center of gravity with every movement of the load. A forklift must never negotiate a turn at speed with a raised load, where centrifugal and gravitational forces may combine to cause a disastrous tip-over accident.

Telehandler –   It is similar in appearance and function to a forklift but is more a crane than forklift, with the increased versatility of a single telescopic boom that can extend forwards and upwards from the vehicle. On the end of the boom the operator can fit one of several attachments, such as a bucket, pallet forks, muck grab, or winch. The advantage of the telehandler is also its biggest limitation: as the boom extends or raises while bearing a load, it acts as a lever and causes the vehicle to become increasingly unstable, despite counterweights in the rear. This means that the lifting capacity quickly decreases as the working radius (distance between the front of the wheels and the centre of the load) increases.