Counterbalance forklifts are one of the most common types of forklifts used in various industries and applications. If you are not sure whether a Hangcha counterbalance forklift is the right choice for you, then click on the following sections to learn more.
What Is a Counterbalance Forklift? - a type of forklift truck specifically designed to handle heavy loads in industrial and warehouse settings
Uses for a Hangcha Counterbalance Forklift - a wide range applications such as warehousing, distribution, manufacturing, retail, construction, and shipping.
Safety Tips for Counterbalance Forklifts - get proper training, do pre-shift inspections, follow capacity limits, and drive safely
If you would like expert advice on which type of forklift you should purchase, contact us.
Hangcha Counterbalance Forklift Guide
1. What Is a Counterbalance Forklift?
A counterbalance forklift is a type of forklift truck specifically designed to handle heavy loads in industrial and warehouse settings. It is one of the most common types of forklifts used in various industries due to its versatility and ability to maneuver in tight spaces.
The term "counterbalance" refers to the weight at the rear of the forklift, which balances the load being lifted at the front. This design allows your forklift to lift heavy objects without tipping over.
Here are the key features and components of a counterbalance forklift:
Counterbalance Design
Counterbalance forklifts have a heavy counterweight at the back of the vehicle, balancing the load weight at the front. This design allows the forklift to lift loads vertically without the need for extended support legs or outriggers.
Types of Counterbalance Forklifts
There are 2 main types of Hangcha counterbalance forklifts: electric and internal combustion.
Electric Counterbalance Forklifts:
An electric Hangcha counterbalanced forklift can be safely used indoors.
Electric forklifts are powered by electric batteries and emit zero emissions, making them suitable for indoor use. They are quieter than IC forklifts and produce no exhaust fumes, making them environmentally friendly.
Hangcha has a complete line of Lithium-ion electric forklifts that offer even more great benefits over traditional lead-acid batteries. These include:
Opportunity charging during breaks and lunch hours
Faster charging speeds
No watering of batteries needed
No equalization charging needed
Consistent power throughout the charge
Hangcha counterbalance forklift Lithium-ion technology is so advanced that their electric forklifts can compete with similar internal combustion engine forklifts for power and performance.
Internal Combustion (IC) Counterbalance Forklifts:
Internal combustion forklifts are powered by gasoline, diesel, or propane engines. They are suitable for outdoor use and can handle heavy loads efficiently.
This type of forklift is not usually suitable for indoor use as it can give off harmful fumes. However, propane forklifts can be used inside and outside if there is proper ventilation in your facility.
Three-Wheel and Four-Wheel Counterbalance Forklifts
You can get either three or four-wheel models of Hangcha Counterbalance forklifts.
Three-Wheel Counterbalance Forklifts:
3-wheel forklifts are perfect for narrow aisles and tight spaces.
Three-wheel forklifts have a single drive wheel at the back and two front wheels for stability. They are highly maneuverable and ideal for tight spaces.
Four-Wheel Counterbalance Forklifts:
Four-wheel forklifts have two drive wheels at the front and two additional wheels at the back for stability. They offer better stability when lifting heavy loads and are suitable for a wide range of applications.
Counterbalance Forklift Parts
Here are some of the main parts of a forklift along with a brief explanation about what each does.
Mast
The mast is the vertical assembly on the front of the forklift that raises and lowers the load. It consists of interlocking rails and rollers that allow the forklift to lift loads to various heights.
Forks
The forks are the horizontal arms that slide under the load. They can be raised and lowered for loading, unloading, and transporting goods.
Hydraulic System
Counterbalance forklifts use a hydraulic system to control the movement of the mast and forks. The hydraulic system allows for smooth and precise lifting and lowering of loads.
2. Uses for a Hangcha Counterbalance Forklift
Hangcha counterbalance forklifts can be used for may different purposes.
Hangcha counterbalance forklifts, like other types of counterbalance forklifts, are versatile industrial machines used for a wide range of applications in various industries. Here are some common uses for Hangcha counterbalance forklifts:
Warehousing and Distribution
Hangcha counterbalance forklifts are extensively used in warehouses and distribution centres for the following tasks:
Stacking
Loading
Unloading
Transporting goods
They efficiently handle palletized loads, enabling seamless movement of products within the facility.
Manufacturing
In manufacturing plants, counterbalance forklifts are used to transport items such as:
Raw materials
Finished products
Components
They are essential for organizing materials and ensuring a smooth production process by delivering supplies to the production line and removing finished goods from the assembly area.
Retail
Retailers use counterbalance forklifts to manage inventory, especially in large stores or distribution centres. These forklifts help with the following:
Unloading merchandise from delivery trucks
Restocking shelves
Rearranging products in the store
Narrow aisle counterbalance forklifts are especially helpful in retail settings where space is limited.
Construction Sites
Counterbalance forklifts can be used on construction sites and at lumber yards.
Hangcha counterbalance forklifts are employed on construction sites to move heavy construction materials, such as:
Steel beams
Bricks
Concrete blocks
Their ability to lift and transport heavy loads makes them indispensable in construction projects.
Shipping and Freight Handling
Counterbalance forklifts are commonly used in shipping yards and ports for loading and unloading cargo containers from ships and trucks. They play a crucial role in efficiently managing the flow of goods in and out of shipping terminals.
Agriculture
Hangcha counterbalance forklifts can also be used in agricultural settings to handle bulk materials like feed, hay, and fertilizers. They aid in the organization of farm supplies and equipment, making agricultural operations more streamlined.
Specialized Industries
These forklifts find applications in specialized industries such as the food and beverage industry, where they handle pallets of products, and the automotive industry, where they transport vehicle components within manufacturing facilities.
Inventory Management
Counterbalance forklifts are essential for inventory management tasks such as stocktaking and rearranging products on storage racks. They enable efficient organization and tracking of inventory levels in warehouses and storage facilities.
In summary, Hangcha counterbalance forklifts are indispensable machines in various industries, helping streamline operations, improve efficiency, and enhance productivity across a wide array of applications. Their adaptability and reliability make them valuable assets in diverse work environments.
3. Safety Tips for Counterbalance Forklifts
You need specific training for the type of forklift you will be operating.
Operating a Hangcha counterbalance forklift, like any other type of forklift, requires strict adherence to safety protocols to prevent accidents and ensure the well-being of operators and those working in the vicinity. Here are the top five safety tips for operating a Hangcha counterbalance forklift:
Proper Training and Certification
Operators should undergo comprehensive training programs and obtain certification specific to the type of forklift they will be operating.
Your training should cover both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, including safe operating practices, load handling, and emergency procedures.
Pre-Operation Inspection
You need to conduct a thorough pre-operation inspection of your forklift before each use. Check for any signs of damage, leaks, or worn-out components.
Ensure that all safety features are functioning properly including:
Lights
Horns
Brakes
Steering
If any issues are identified, you should report them immediately and do not operate the forklift until it has been properly inspected and repaired by qualified personnel.
Stable Loads and Weight Capacity
Never lift a load above your forklift’s weight capacity.
Always adhere to the forklift's load capacity limits specified by the manufacturer. Do not exceed the maximum weight capacity or try to lift unbalanced or uneven loads, as this can cause the forklift to tip over.
Ensure that the load is stable, centred on the forks, and secure before lifting or moving.
Safe Driving and Maneuvering
Follow safe driving practices, including observing speed limits, especially in congested or tight spaces. Keep a safe distance from pedestrians, other forklifts, and obstacles.
Use horns and warning signals when approaching blind corners or intersections. When turning, use the appropriate turning radius to avoid tipping over. Always drive in reverse when the load obstructs your view.
Pedestrian Awareness
Be vigilant about the presence of pedestrians and other workers in the area. Use designated walkways and avoid driving the forklift in areas where pedestrians are present, if possible.
Establish clear communication protocols, such as hand signals or designated zones, to alert pedestrians and other workers when the forklift is in motion. Encourage eye contact and ensure that pedestrians are aware of the forklift's presence before proceeding.
Additionally, your operators should wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as the following to enhance their safety while operating the forklift:
Hard hat
High-visibility vest
Steel-toed boots
Gloves
By following these safety tips and practicing vigilance, you can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and create a safer working environment when operating your forklift.
For the Best Selection of Hangcha Counterbalance Forklifts, Contact Wayco
You can only get Hangcha products in Canada from a registered Hangcha distributer. Wayco is a proud dealer of Hangcha forklifts in Southwestern Ontario.
High quality and affordability are extremely important to us, so that is why we have teamed up with Hangcha to bring you the best forklift equipment at a significantly lower price than what you will pay with the competition.
If you are in the market for a forklift, contact Wayco. We have:
The best-priced forklifts in the industry
Forklifts with the best warranty in the business
The widest range of brands on the market
As a full-service forklift dealer, we can provide you with:
New or used equipment sales
Forklift service, inspections, or repairs on the widest range of brands in the market
Contact us today to book an appointment.
What Our Customers Are Saying…
“I have used Wayco twice, and both times I experienced excellent customer service . They had the right forklift for my needs at a reasonable price. I will be using their services in the future and recommend you do as well.”
— Gabe Gartner
