Goods transportation and storage operations require the intervention of a functional and quick tool.
Forklifts help businesses manage and organize warehouses, transporting and dividing goods quickly and without too much effort.
There are different types of forklifts, each one with its own strengths and main advantages. Companies have the task of choosing between one model and another, based on specific needs and preferences.
Together, we will find out what is the actual difference between two particularly famous and popular types of forklifts: the front-end forklift and the retractable forklift.
We will try to understand how and when it makes sense to invest in one or the other version, showing you the main differences and advantages of both. Let’s get started.
Let’s start right with the front lift truck, the so-called “forklift.”
The traditional forklift relies on a major principle in physics, the first-degree lever principle.
In physics, the principle relates two basic elements: , “resistance” and “power.”
The two forces work together to enable the movement and lifting of objects, combining and balancing each other.
The forks of the forklift represent its arms, the metal tools that allow it to pick up and lift goods ( from here the association with the principle of leverage).
At the same time, the mast – the fork lift – transmits power to the structure, allowing the forklift to lift and move the load.
The combined work of forks and mast, the combination of power and strength, lead the truck to lift even quite heavy loads.
The maximum height that the front forklift can reach is 7.5 meters, with the presence of a few minor exceptions.
The traditional forklift is used for warehouse storage tasks, transporting and moving heavy loads, and lifting pallet goods.
However, it has some minor limitations associated with space and lifting height.
In particularly crowded warehouses, where there is little room to operate, it is best to fall back on the retractable forklift.
Let’s turn to the retractable forklift, which is used to transport goods for the purpose of space optimization.
Compared with the front model, the retractable forklift is more compact and has better maneuvering ability. It is perfectly suited to warehouse storage precisely because it can move freely even in the tightest spaces.
Forks and mast are also involved here, and are responsible for lifting and picking up the goods.
However, once the load is lifted, the mast and forks “retract” and return to their starting position (in the truck frame). The choice of the name retractable comes precisely from this behavior, which differentiates the trolley from all other models.
Through the retraction of the forks, transport becomes much easier.
The driver has the ability to move with greater freedom, without worrying too much about the positioning of the forks themselves.
Compared to the front version, the retractable forklift can reach maximum heights of about 14 meters, and carry loads of up to 2,500 kg.
Now that we have examined more closely the main differences between the front-end forklift and the retractable forklift, you can confidently choose between one of the two.
The differences relate to the way the load is handled, different freedom of movement and ability to lift the goods.
Depending on your destination-where you plan to use the forklift-you can choose with complete confidence, no doubt.
Which will you choose, a practical retractable forklift or a safe front-end forklift?