Types of Industrial Vehicles

There are several types of vehicles used in Industrial Vehicles to transport goods, equipment and materials around manufacturing facilities, warehouses and construction sites. Some common types include forklifts, pallet jacks, transport vehicles, motorized hand trucks and tow tractors. Each type is designed to meet specific transport needs within an industrial operation.

Forklifts are one of the most widely used vehicles. They can be found powering goods in and around factories, warehouses and distribution centers. Forklifts come in different varieties based on load capacity and power type. Rider forklifts are designed to carry one standing operator who controls the vehicle and raises/lowers the forks from an overhead operator position. Walk-behind forklifts are smaller, designed for indoor use and require the operator to walk behind and guide the forks.

Pallet jacks are manual vehicles used to transport pallets short distances within a facility. They consist of a handheld console, wheels and forks to engage under a pallet load. Pallet jacks are useful for moving pallets from conveyors or docks into storage racks.

Transport vehicles like tuggers and tow tractors are used to pull wheeled attachments and pull heavy loads over longer distances. Tow tractors function similarly to small tractors, connecting to tow bars or couplers to transport trailers, carts or specialized attachments from one area of a plant to another.

Motorized hand trucks are small, maneuverable vehicles that function like a more heavy-duty dolly. They are powered by electric motors or gas engines and are used to transport boxes, bins and equipment over floors within enclosed manufacturing or warehouse spaces.

Safety Features of Industrial Vehicles

Due to the large and heavy loads transported in manufacturing environments, safety is a primary concern in industrial vehicle design. Vehicles incorporate various features to protect operators and colleagues from accidents and injuries.

Forklifts are equipped with operator restraints like seatbelts to prevent the operator from being ejected or falling from the vehicle during unexpected movements or impacts. They also include features like braking systems, tilt locks and redundant brakes that engage if hydraulic lines rupture. Backup alarms, beacons and strobe lights help ensure pedestrian visibility and right of way.

Limit switches prevent pallet jacks, tow tractors and tuggers from overreaching or overturning loads beyond a safe tilting threshold. Restraining devices may also be included to prevent contact with others if traveling down an inclined surface. Payload meters and axle weight sensors help enforcement of load capacity regulations.

Slow speeds, compact designs and intuitive controls make motorized hand trucks and pallet jacks safer for indoor use in proximity to other workers and equipment. Overhead guards help shield operators from falling objects. Electric power avoids toxic fumes and explosion risks.

Maintenance and Operator Training

Proper maintenance and operator training are vital for safe industrial vehicle operation over the long run. Comprehensive scheduled maintenance per manufacturers’ recommendations helps ensure vehicles and safety devices function as intended. Daily pre-shift inspections identify any issues requiring repair or replacement of components before use.

Employers provide extensive initial and recurrent operator training on all vehicles employees may use. Training covers understanding vehicle capabilities and limitations, safety systems operation, hazard identification, load handling best practices and compliance with traffic and loading rules. Operators learn to inspect vehicles, identify common issues and respond appropriately to emergency situations through practical exercises. Re-certification occurs periodically to retain safe operating skills over time.

In Summary, mechanical vehicles serve important roles in productivity by efficiently transporting materials, goods and equipment within manufacturing environments. When properly maintained and operated by trained personnel, they help large industrial employers meet production demands while minimizing safety risks for workers.

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*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it