With so many different types of forklift trucks available, it can be difficult knowing which type is the best choice for your operations. Here we will provide a complete guide to a popular choice, the counterbalance forklift truck.

What is a counterbalance forklift truck?

Counterbalance forklift trucks are usually used to transport heavy objects. Unlike other forklifts, counterbalance trucks are fitted with a counterweight at the rear end, making them safer to use.  Counterbalance forklifts are often used in storage and distribution centres where employees are required to perform a wide range of tasks including loading, stacking and transporting loads.

Counterbalance forklift components

Counterbalance forklifts are made up of a number of different components. The main part is the truck frame. This is the base of the machine that the rest of the components are attached to. As we mentioned before counterbalance trucks also have a counterweight. This is a mass that is attached to the rear of the forklift. It is designed to counterbalance the load that is being lifted and prevent the forklift from tipping over.

The cabs of counterbalance forklifts can either be open air of enclosed. This is where the operator sits, giving them access to the control pedals, steering wheel and levers. An overhead guard protects the cab. This is a metal roof that is designed to protect the operator from falling objects.

Like other forklifts, counterbalance forklifts also have a mast, which raises and lowers the load. Forks and other attachments can be mounted onto the carriage, which moves up and down the mast rails.

There are various different types of tyres that can be bought for counterbalance forklift trucks. The type you choose should depend on whether you intend on using the forklift indoors or outside.

How are they powered?

Counterbalance forklift trucks can be powered in three different ways. These power sources include electricity, gas and diesel. The type of forklift you hire or purchase should depend on your operations, as well as your budget.

Electric forklift trucks are suitable for indoor use only. Although they are fairly expensive to purchase outright, they are very low cost to run. Unlike other types of counterbalance forklift trucks, those powered electrically do not produce any emissions. They are also extremely quiet, which makes them ideal for warehouse and distribution centre operations.

If you are looking for a counterbalance forklift truck to use outdoors, you may want to consider purchasing or hiring one that is powered by gas. They are the opposite of electric counterbalance forklifts, as they are low cost to purchase but expensive to run. This is due to the fact that you have to buy numerous gas canisters to power them.

Gas counterbalance forklifts produce emissions, however providing you ventilate the area well and only use them for short periods of time you will be able to use them indoors.

Diesel counterbalance forklift trucks must be used outdoors only. They produce harmful emissions that will put your staff at risk if you use them indoors. Diesel counterbalance trucks are designed to tackle tough terrains and are very robust. Although they are cheap to buy, like gas counterbalance trucks they can be expensive to run.

Hiring or buying a counterbalance forklift

If you are considering hiring or buying a counterbalance forklift truck, you have certainly come to the right place. Hiremech’s fleet is made up of all types of counterbalance forklifts. Our expert sales advisors can help you choose the right one for your application. Get in touch for more information.

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