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Industrial Lift Truck
Purchasing a lift is a complex affair. There are many elements to these deceptively simple devices and there is no shortage of different models on the market. They all have their applications and proper place but one must make certain that one is purchasing the right truck for the job. Too small a vehicle is no more dangerous than is too large a vehicle and some of these vehicles require skills above and beyond those possessed by a regular operator to use safely.
There are many industrial lift truck models which have a design where the operator stands. This has several advantages, particularly in small warehouses. These trucks are usually smaller and narrower than most forklifts which enables them to be driven into very small spaces to retrieve items. There are limitations, however. These forklifts usually have smaller tires which makes them more dangerous on uneven pavement, especially when carrying loads. They also have a much lighter counterweight. Unfortunately, the power of hydraulics oftentimes means that a forklift can hoist a load that is far too heavy for the counterweight and this is almost certain to result in injuries, even deaths. Remember the manufacturer's stated capacity of the lift when considering it for purchase and be certain that it is enough for one's applications.
Forklifts with a seated operator tend to be more sturdy. These industrial lift truck designs tend to be seen doing considerably heavier work than the stand-up models. They have large tires which makes them more of an all-terrain vehicle; they have large counterweights which allows them to handle heavy loads and long extensions of the lift; and they have plenty of power. In a confined area, however, they can be dangerous. Even though they're large, they tend to move quite fast. Swinging the back end around too quickly in a confined space can cause significant damage to property and, potentially, to workers. Make certain that one's warehouse or construction area can accommodate a large forklift before purchasing one.
An industrial lift truck requires proper training to operate safely. Even though it's fairly easy-and quite a lot of fun-to hop on one and to start hauling items about, be sure one knows their limits. Any employees who operate these in the course of their work are legally-required to have a certain amount of training. For safety's sake, do not attempt to skirt these regulations in any regard.