What is a Forklift? Key Features and Uses of Industrial Lifting Trucks

Published:
Updated:

Forklifts are common and important tools in the material handling and logistics industry.

At Luby Equipment Services, we’re proud to offer a range of high-quality CASE forklifts to meet your material handling needs. But what exactly is a forklift, and why is it such a crucial tool in various industries?

Defining the Forklift

A forklift, also known as a lift truck, fork truck, or forklift truck, is a powered industrial truck used to lift and transport materials over short distances. The key feature of a forklift is its pair of fork-like prongs that extend from the front of the vehicle. These forks can be inserted under pallets or other containers to easily lift and move heavy loads.

CASE 588H Rough Terrain Forklift
Luby Equipment Services
Excellent
4.3
Based on 37 reviews
review us on
Excellent resource to service all CASE and Takeuchi machines in the metro area. They can get anything. The staff is always helpful and very knowledgeable.
In and out
Excellent dealership with strong core values!
Purchased a Intimidator tree puller from them. Good price and friendly service team.
Response from the owner: Thank you very much for the 4 star review. We would love to hear how we can improve to a 5 star! If there is anything that you need please feel free to reach out to one of our six construction locations. Thank you again for taking the time to give us a rating.
Roger was a great salesman to deal with.
Response from the owner: Thank you very much for the 5 star review! Roger focuses each and every day to give a world class customer experience. We hope to see you soon. Thank you again for taking the time to give us a review.
Response from the owner: Thank you very much for the 5 star review. We strive to deliver a world class customer experience every time we see you. Thank you again and we look forward to seeing you soon.
Jenny is the best!! She will take care of you!
Response from the owner: Pam, thank you! We are grateful for your 5 star review. Jenny does an excellent job and is very focused at providing a world class customer experience. Thank you again and we look forward to working with you in the future.
My experience was great.. I spoke with Jenny and she was more than a huge help. Very professional, friendly and knowledgeable.
Response from the owner: Thank you, Syretha! We are very grateful for your 5 star review. Jenny does an excellent job and is very focused at providing a world class customer experience. Thank you again and we look forward to working with you in the future.
Good guys good equipment
Response from the owner: Thank you very much for the 5 star review. We appreciate your business and strive to deliver the best equipment and service in the industry. We look forward to seeing you soon.
Response from the owner: Thank you very much for the 5 star rating. We strive to deliver a world class customer experience each and every day. Thank you again and we hope to see you soon.
My husband rented equipment and worked with Josh. He was very respectful and new what he was talking about to help with all my husband's needs and questions. Very pleased and will be using Luby again in the future!
Response from the owner: Thank you very much for your review and rating. We appreciate your business Jenn and we look forward to seeing you soon. Thank you again and we hope you have a great day!
Great place for equipment and mechanics!
Response from the owner: Thank you very much for your review and rating. We appreciate your business and look forward to seeing you soon. Thank you again and we hope you have a great day!
This is a great piece of equipment. Kevin Peeler is very knowledgeable and made the process easy. We actually didn’t meet until he drove on the job site with my Takeuchi TL6. He earned my confidence over the phone.Mnnnmm
Response from the owner: Thank you very much for your review and rating. Luby Equipment and Kevin are focused on delivering a seamless customer experience on every sale. Thank you again and we look forward to seeing you soon.
Jenny was the best, answered questions on several calls that other dealers could not. I live in KC and shopped auctions, dealers nationwide, Facebook market place. Got my best deal on my TL12V2 machine from Luby with extended warranty. Drove to Fenton and picked up machine. Machine was as described and ready to go as promised. Jenny’s friendliness and listening to my wants sold me! Her boss should give her a raise thanks again!
Response from the owner: Thank you very much for the review and 5 star rating. Our goal is to deliver a world class customer experience on every transaction. We are thankful for your business and look forward to seeing you soon.
This was my first experience with Luby Equipment. Jenny Swafford was my sales person. She promptly made a deal with me working out the transportation and all the details. She kept me in the loop every step of the way and gave me many detailed pictures of the piece of equipment. I do many deals in my line of work and I can tell you she is among the best. I would do business again and hope I can. My experience with Lubys has been the best. I could not be happier. Good job Jenny I wish there were more like you doing business would be a much funner experience. Mike.
Response from the owner: Thank you Mike for your review and rating. Our goal is to deliver a world class customer experience each and every day. We appreciate your business and look forward to doing more with you in the future. Thank you again for the kind words and hope you have a wonderful day!
Response from the owner: Thank you so much for giving us a 5 star rating. We strive each and every day to deliver world class customer service. We appreciate your business and look forward to seeing you soon.
I recently purchased 2 machines from Luby Equipment and worked with Jenny Swafford. She was fantastic to work with and I am very pleased with the equipment and how easy Luby was to work with. Highly recommend them to anyone looking to purchase equipment.
Response from the owner: Thank you Steve for giving us a 5 star rating. We are very appreciative of your business and look forward to working with you again.
Response from the owner: Thank you so much for the 5 star review Michael! We strive to reach our customer's highest expectations!
Response from the owner: Thank you very much for rating us. We strive to deliver the best customer experience in the industry. Please let us know if there is anything that we can do to improve.
Response from the owner: Thank you very much giving us a 5 star rating. We are grateful for your business and look forward to seeing you soon.
Response from the owner: Thank you very much for the 5 star rating! Our goal is to give each and every customer the best customer experience in the industry. We look forward to seeing you soon and hope you have a great week. Thank you again for your continued business.
Response from the owner: Thank you very much for rating us. We strive for a 5 star rating from our customers so please let us know how we can improve your experience. Thank you again for rating us and we look forward to seeing you soon.
Response from the owner: Thank you Mike for giving us a 4 star review. Our goal is ensure our customers are happy with the services they receive each and every time they do business with us. If there is anything in particular that we can do better, please let us know. Thank you again for your review and we look forward to doing business with you soon.
Great service and great staff
Response from the owner: Carlos,Thank you very much for rating us! We appreciate it and look forward to doing business with you in the future. Please let us know if there is anything that we can do to improve.
Response from the owner: Thank you very much for rating us. We strive to be the best construction equipment dealer in the area.
Response from the owner: Thank you very much for rating us! We look forward to doing business with you in the near future.
Pricey, but thay are willing to help you with parts and repair, fast if you need
Response from the owner: Thank you for your review Richard! We always appreciate your business!
Response from the owner: Thank you for the review! We appreciate your business!
Great rental store best prices on case A++
Response from the owner: Thank you for your review! We appreciate your business!
js_loader

How Forklifts Work

Forklifts operate on a simple yet ingenious principle. The machine uses hydraulic pressure to raise and lower the forks, allowing it to lift heavy loads to significant heights. The forklift’s design distributes the load’s weight between the front wheels and the rear counterweight, ensuring stability even when carrying substantial weights.

Types of Forklifts

There are several types of forklifts available, each designed for specific applications:

  1. Counterbalance Forklifts: The most common type, ideal for loading and unloading trucks and moving pallets in warehouses.
  2. Reach Trucks: Designed for narrow aisle operations in warehouses, featuring an extendable mast.
  3. Order Pickers: Used in warehouses to pick individual items from high shelves.
  4. Rough Terrain Forklifts: Built for outdoor use on uneven surfaces, common in construction sites.
  5. Telehandlers: Featuring an extendable boom for increased reach and versatility.

CASE Forklifts: Power and Precision

Luby Equipment Services proudly offers CASE forklifts, known for their robust construction, innovative features, and exceptional performance. CASE forklifts are designed to meet the demands of various industries, from construction and agriculture to warehousing and logistics.

CASE forklifts stand out for their:

  • Powerful engines that provide excellent lifting capacity and speed
  • Advanced hydraulic systems for smooth and precise load control
  • Ergonomic design for operator comfort during long shifts
  • Durability and reliability, even in challenging environments
  • Fuel efficiency, helping to reduce operating costs

Applications of Forklifts

Forklifts are versatile machines used across numerous industries:

  • Warehousing and Distribution: For stacking, retrieving, and moving palletized goods
  • Manufacturing: Transporting raw materials and finished products within factories
  • Construction: Moving building materials and equipment around job sites
  • Agriculture: Handling large loads of produce or supplies on farms
  • Shipping and Receiving: Loading and unloading trucks and containers
  • Retail: Stocking shelves and managing inventory in large stores

While forklifts are incredibly useful, they require skilled operation to ensure safety. Key safety considerations include:

  • Use of appropriate safety equipment, such as seat belts and overhead guards
  • Proper training and certification for all operators
  • Regular maintenance and inspections
  • Adherence to load capacity limits
  • Awareness of surroundings and potential hazards

Importance of Proper Maintenance and Service

Regular maintenance and professional service are crucial to ensure longevity and optimal performance for forklifts. At Luby Equipment Services, we understand the importance of keeping your equipment in top condition. Our team of experienced technicians specializes in servicing and maintaining CASE forklifts, helping to:

  • Extend the lifespan of your equipment
  • Minimize downtime and unexpected breakdowns
  • Ensure safe and efficient operation
  • Maintain compliance with industry regulations
  • Optimize fuel efficiency and performance

Forklifts are more than just another piece of equipment – they’re the backbone of material handling operations across countless industries. From the warehouse floor to the construction site, these versatile machines keep businesses moving forward. With CASE forklifts from Luby Equipment Services, you can trust that you’re getting a powerful, efficient, and reliable solution for all your material handling needs.

Whether you’re in the market for a new forklift, need maintenance on your existing fleet, or want to learn more about how these amazing machines can benefit your business, don’t hesitate to contact our team at Luby Equipment Services.

Leave a Comment