heftruck

Heftruck, the Dutch term for forklift, is a powered industrial truck designed to lift, carry, and place loads over short distances. It is a common piece of equipment in warehouses, manufacturing plants, and freight terminals, enabling efficient handling of pallets and other heavy materials.

A heftruck typically features a counterweight at the rear, a mast with a carriage and forks, a control system, drive wheels, and an operator compartment. The forks are used to engage pallets; the mast raises and lowers the forks, while the carriage tilts to stabilize the load. The vehicle is powered either by an electric battery or an internal combustion engine (gasoline, diesel, or LPG), with electric models favored indoors due to zero emissions.

Various configurations exist, including counterbalance forklifts for general use, reach trucks designed for narrow aisles, order-picker variants for selecting items at height, and rough-terrain forklifts for outdoor or uneven surfaces. Load capacities vary and are rated for a specific center of gravity; safe operation depends on maintaining stability through proper load handling, speed control, and fork placement.

Safety and training are crucial, with operator certification required in many jurisdictions. Common safeguards include an overhead guard, seat belt, horn, lights, load backrest, and warning devices. Standards and regulations govern design, maintenance, and operation to minimize the risk of tip-overs, collisions, and injuries.

History: The forklift evolved from earlier pallet trucks in the early 20th century, with widespread adoption after World War II. Modern heftrucks integrate electronic controls, advanced stability systems, and a range of attachments to handle different load types and pallets.