In the US, the most common forklift for the outdoor arena is Hyundais 70D-7E line. The 70D sports an impressive 21,795 lbs of service weight. Not surprisingly, it ranks as one of the more powerful of the diesel lift trucks. For driver protection in an outdoor environment, this Hyundai also features a closed driver cab with a 360 view to allow the truck to be more easily backed up and guided in difficult areas. The 70D also has a standard wheelbase with large, balanced tires and complete with tread for a concert or gravel terrain.
While most forklifts are used in small, confined areas to lift and move more compact materials, some of the more extreme forklift types are used in marinas. These big machines are used to pickup and lift full-size boats for dry marina storage. Dry storage units for boats can often be several stories high, requiring an impressive machine to get them to their lofty destinations. The biggest forklift used for this monumental task was made by Wiggins Lift Company. While Wiggins manufactures a variety of Marina Bulls, when the order came in with even more extensive requirements they took their custom building to next level. Wiggins created a forklift so strong that it could lift boats fifty feet long that weighed up to 10,000lbs. The size and weight of the boats it can lift is breathtaking by itself, but the height it can lift them is the most incredible feature of this machine they adequately named The Colossus. The hydraulic shaft on the Colossus allows it to lift boats over seven stories high in the air to be placed in dry storage. In order to balance such heavy boats being lifted to such great heights, the Colossus uses its dense body to maintain stabilization. This crane-sized forklift uses 8 wheels to balanced its 220,000 pound frame to avoid tipping forward. After spending a year assembling and testing the Colossus, in order to move this behemoth of a machine, Wiggins had to then disassemble it. Due to its magnitude of size, it took 4 semi-sized trucks to transport the Colossus to its final destination in Miami where it was then reassembled and fully functional within in a few days at its new marina home. Following the completion of the Colossus, Wiggins built another massive forklift with similar dimensions and capabilities. They dubbed this machine Atlas, as the brother of the Colossus. Today, these two forklifts remain the worlds largest portable forklift vehicles.
Forklifts are used in a variety of different industries and many diverse environments. In order to fill so many needs, hundreds of heavy machinery makers have created a wide array of models to conquer tasks with unique requirements. The four main types of forklifts are diesel, electric,
LPG trucks, and 4-wheel counterbalanced trucks. While all four versions have similar functionality, they are separated by their style of fuel as well as their wheelbase. As the name implies, diesel forklifts use an engine that is powered by diesel. Diesel lifts are the most powerful as well as the most economical for outdoor use. Similarly, electric forklifts use an electric engine that is charged between uses. Electric forklifts are primarily used for indoor use where diesel trucks cannot be used due to their exhaust. Lastly, LPG trucks are a well-rounded style run off of liquified petroleum gas. LPG lift trucks can be used for both indoor and outdoor use. Each forklift style can sit on a different style of wheels. Standard forklift wheels are equal in size and easiest to pilot. 4-wheel counterbalanced forklifts have larger front wheels in order to counterbalance and better stabilize heavier loads on the fork. At Mascus you can find the right type of forklift to maximize efficiency for any project.
With the diversity and technology around forklifts constantly expanding it can be difficult to keep up with what is happening across different industries. Thankfully, in the United States they have events like Modex 2018 that can help you stay informed and connected with the newest information and technologies happening in your industry. Modex 2018 is one of the biggest global manufacturing, distribution, and supply chain expos that takes place in all of North America. Roughly half of the conventions attendees are senior level or corporate management with a deep knowledge of material handling industry. Not surprisingly, 91% of Modex attendees are also there to see new products, like forklifts, that are entering the market.
Finding forklifts that fit the needs of your business has never been easier with advanced platforms such as Mascus. At Mascus you can search for the exact make, model, and other specifications to hone in on the best machine for you. Mascus boasts thousands of forklifts from hundreds of different heavy machinery producers. Similarly, if you are looking to sell your forklift, Mascus can connect you with a buyer in a simple process. You can signup here to begin to sell your used forklift today.
