lastuamiskoneet

lastuamiskoneet, also known as forklifts in English, are powered industrial trucks used for lifting and moving heavy loads over short distances. They operate on a range of flat surfaces, including warehouse floors, loading docks, highways, and industrial plants. The term "lastuamiskone" originates from Finnish, where "lasta" means load and "amiskone" refers to a machine or vehicle.

Typical lastuamiskone models include counterbalance forklifts, reach trucks, pallet jacks, and warehouse forklifts. Counterbalance models are the most common and feature a rear loader that balances the weight of the load being lifted. Reach trucks, which can extend their forks, are optimized for narrow aisles and high stacking. Pallet jacks are electric 2-wheel or 4-wheel variations used for light to medium loads. Warehouse forklifts are designed for high efficiency in large storage areas.

The first commercially widespread forklift emerged in the 1940s, with key innovations such as hydraulic rams and electric drive systems. Modern units incorporate computer-aided controls, telematics, and automation features. Safety regulations in Finland and the EU require operators to hold a valid forklift license and to follow strict operational guidelines, including load capacity limits, speed restrictions, and guardrail compliance.

lastuamiskoneet remain essential in logistics, construction, and manufacturing sectors, contributing to productivity and workplace safety by reducing manual lifting and material handling errors.