| 1. Lower ground pressure | |
|
Reason |
Low pressure tyre equipment |
|
Result |
Easier to use on unmetalled surfaces and on ice and snow, does not get stuck |
| 2. Higher ground clearance | |
|
Reason |
Industrial forklifts are built very low. At the lowest point under the mast, the ground clearance is around 14cm, while a large tyre forklift has around 38cm of ground clearance. |
|
Result |
There is virtually no contact with the ground on unmetalled surfaces. It is possible to drive over objects such as squared timber and bearing blocks etc. |
| 3. Higher traction | |
|
Reason |
Industrial forklifts are constructed as ‘counterbalanced forklifts’. This means that 70% of their own weight is carried on the steering axel. However, with the large tyre forklift, self weight is almost equally distributed on the two axles. A further advantage of better traction is the larger tyre diameter, which exerts less pressure on the low pressure tyre equipment drive axle in comparison with the industrial forklift. . |
|
Result |
This results in a considerable improvement in traction on wet surfaces, ice and snow or when driving up inclines |
| 4. Better visibility | |
|
Reason |
The higher seating position for the driver means that bulky loads can be carried in a lowered position, where the driver can see over the load. This is particularly important when transporting hazardous materials, for example in the chemical industry. |
|
Result |
To be able to transport the abovementioned goods with an industrial forklift, drivers have to lift the load to at least eye level, because of their low seating position, in order to have a clear field of vision. |
