Using a Hangcha Counterbalance Forklift In Your Workplace

Counterbalance forklifts are one of the most common types of forklifts used in various industries and applications. If you are not sure whether a Hangcha counterbalance forklift is the right choice for you, then click on the following sections to learn more.

1. What Is a Counterbalance Forklift? - a type of forklift truck specifically designed to handle heavy loads in industrial and warehouse settings

2. Uses for a Hangcha Counterbalance Forklift - a wide range applications such as warehousing, distribution, manufacturing, retail, construction, and shipping.

3. Safety Tips for Counterbalance Forklifts - get proper training, do pre-shift inspections, follow capacity limits, and drive safely

If you would like expert advice on which type of forklift you should purchase, contact us.

Hangcha Counterbalance Forklift Guide

1. What Is a Counterbalance Forklift?

A counterbalance forklift is a type of forklift truck specifically designed to handle heavy loads in industrial and warehouse settings. It is one of the most common types of forklifts used in various industries due to its versatility and ability to maneuver in tight spaces.

The term "counterbalance" refers to the weight at the rear of the forklift, which balances the load being lifted at the front. This design allows your forklift to lift heavy objects without tipping over.

Here are the key features and components of a counterbalance forklift:

Counterbalance Design

Counterbalance forklifts have a heavy counterweight at the back of the vehicle, balancing the load weight at the front. This design allows the forklift to lift loads vertically without the need for extended support legs or outriggers.

Types of Counterbalance Forklifts

There are 2 main types of Hangcha counterbalance forklifts: electric and internal combustion.

Electric Counterbalance Forklifts:

An electric Hangcha counterbalanced forklift can be safely used indoors.

Electric forklifts are powered by electric batteries and emit zero emissions, making them suitable for indoor use. They are quieter than IC forklifts and produce no exhaust fumes, making them environmentally friendly.

Hangcha has a complete line of Lithium-ion electric forklifts that offer even more great benefits over traditional lead-acid batteries. These include:

• Opportunity charging during breaks and lunch hours

• Faster charging speeds

• No watering of batteries needed

• No equalization charging needed

• Consistent power throughout the charge

Hangcha counterbalance forklift Lithium-ion technology is so advanced that their electric forklifts can compete with similar internal combustion engine forklifts for power and performance.

Internal Combustion (IC) Counterbalance Forklifts:

Internal combustion forklifts are powered by gasoline, diesel, or propane engines. They are suitable for outdoor use and can handle heavy loads efficiently.

This type of forklift is not usually suitable for indoor use as it can give off harmful fumes. However, propane forklifts can be used inside and outside if there is proper ventilation in your facility.

Three-Wheel and Four-Wheel Counterbalance Forklifts

You can get either three or four-wheel models of Hangcha Counterbalance forklifts.

Three-Wheel Counterbalance Forklifts:

3-wheel forklifts are perfect for narrow aisles and tight spaces.

Three-wheel forklifts have a single drive wheel at the back and two front wheels for stability. They are highly maneuverable and ideal for tight spaces.

Four-Wheel Counterbalance Forklifts:

Four-wheel forklifts have two drive wheels at the front and two additional wheels at the back for stability. They offer better stability when lifting heavy loads and are suitable for a wide range of applications.

Counterbalance Forklift Parts

Here are some of the main parts of a forklift along with a brief explanation about what each does.

Mast

The mast is the vertical assembly on the front of the forklift that raises and lowers the load. It consists of interlocking rails and rollers that allow the forklift to lift loads to various heights.

Forks

The forks are the horizontal arms that slide under the load. They can be raised and lowered for loading, unloading, and transporting goods.

Hydraulic System

Counterbalance forklifts use a hydraulic system to control the movement of the mast and forks. The hydraulic system allows for smooth and precise lifting and lowering of loads.

2. Uses for a Hangcha Counterbalance Forklift

Hangcha counterbalance forklifts can be used for may different purposes.

Hangcha counterbalance forklifts, like other types of counterbalance forklifts, are versatile industrial machines used for a wide range of applications in various industries. Here are some common uses for Hangcha counterbalance forklifts:

Warehousing and Distribution

Hangcha counterbalance forklifts are extensively used in warehouses and distribution centres for the following tasks:

• Stacking

• Loading

• Unloading

• Transporting goods

They efficiently handle palletized loads, enabling seamless movement of products within the facility.

Manufacturing

In manufacturing plants, counterbalance forklifts are used to transport items such as:

• Raw materials

• Finished products

• Components

They are essential for organizing materials and ensuring a smooth production process by delivering supplies to the production line and removing finished goods from the assembly area.

Retail

Retailers use counterbalance forklifts to manage inventory, especially in large stores or distribution centres. These forklifts help with the following:

• Unloading merchandise from delivery trucks

• Restocking shelves

• Rearranging products in the store

Narrow aisle counterbalance forklifts are especially helpful in retail settings where space is limited.

Construction Sites

Counterbalance forklifts can be used on construction sites and at lumber yards.

Hangcha counterbalance forklifts are employed on construction sites to move heavy construction materials, such as:

• Steel beams

• Bricks

• Concrete blocks

Their ability to lift and transport heavy loads makes them indispensable in construction projects.

Shipping and Freight Handling

Counterbalance forklifts are commonly used in shipping yards and ports for loading and unloading cargo containers from ships and trucks. They play a crucial role in efficiently managing the flow of goods in and out of shipping terminals.

Agriculture

Hangcha counterbalance forklifts can also be used in agricultural settings to handle bulk materials like feed, hay, and fertilizers. They aid in the organization of farm supplies and equipment, making agricultural operations more streamlined.

Specialized Industries

These forklifts find applications in specialized industries such as the food and beverage industry, where they handle pallets of products, and the automotive industry, where they transport vehicle components within manufacturing facilities.

Inventory Management

Counterbalance forklifts are essential for inventory management tasks such as stocktaking and rearranging products on storage racks. They enable efficient organization and tracking of inventory levels in warehouses and storage facilities.

In summary, Hangcha counterbalance forklifts are indispensable machines in various industries, helping streamline operations, improve efficiency, and enhance productivity across a wide array of applications. Their adaptability and reliability make them valuable assets in diverse work environments.

3. Safety Tips for Counterbalance Forklifts

You need specific training for the type of forklift you will be operating.

Operating a Hangcha counterbalance forklift, like any other type of forklift, requires strict adherence to safety protocols to prevent accidents and ensure the well-being of operators and those working in the vicinity. Here are the top five safety tips for operating a Hangcha counterbalance forklift:

Proper Training and Certification

Operators should undergo comprehensive training programs and obtain certification specific to the type of forklift they will be operating.

Your training should cover both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, including safe operating practices, load handling, and emergency procedures.

Pre-Operation Inspection

You need to conduct a thorough pre-operation inspection of your forklift before each use. Check for any signs of damage, leaks, or worn-out components.

Ensure that all safety features are functioning properly including:

• Lights

• Horns

• Brakes

• Steering

If any issues are identified, you should report them immediately and do not operate the forklift until it has been properly inspected and repaired by qualified personnel.

Stable Loads and Weight Capacity

Never lift a load above your forklift’s weight capacity.

Always adhere to the forklift's load capacity limits specified by the manufacturer. Do not exceed the maximum weight capacity or try to lift unbalanced or uneven loads, as this can cause the forklift to tip over.

Ensure that the load is stable, centred on the forks, and secure before lifting or moving.

Safe Driving and Maneuvering

Follow safe driving practices, including observing speed limits, especially in congested or tight spaces. Keep a safe distance from pedestrians, other forklifts, and obstacles.

Use horns and warning signals when approaching blind corners or intersections. When turning, use the appropriate turning radius to avoid tipping over. Always drive in reverse when the load obstructs your view.

Pedestrian Awareness

Be vigilant about the presence of pedestrians and other workers in the area. Use designated walkways and avoid driving the forklift in areas where pedestrians are present, if possible.

Establish clear communication protocols, such as hand signals or designated zones, to alert pedestrians and other workers when the forklift is in motion. Encourage eye contact and ensure that pedestrians are aware of the forklift's presence before proceeding.

Additionally, your operators should wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as the following to enhance their safety while operating the forklift:

• Hard hat

• High-visibility vest

• Steel-toed boots

• Gloves

By following these safety tips and practicing vigilance, you can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and create a safer working environment when operating your forklift.

For the Best Selection of Hangcha Counterbalance Forklifts, Contact Wayco

You can only get Hangcha products in Canada from a registered Hangcha distributer. Wayco is a proud dealer of Hangcha forklifts in Southwestern Ontario.

High quality and affordability are extremely important to us, so that is why we have teamed up with Hangcha to bring you the best forklift equipment at a significantly lower price than what you will pay with the competition.

If you are in the market for a forklift, contact Wayco. We have:

• The best-priced forklifts in the industry

• Forklifts with the best warranty in the business

• The widest range of brands on the market

As a full-service forklift dealer, we can provide you with:

• New or used equipment sales

• Forklift service, inspections, or repairs on the widest range of brands in the market

• Forklift parts

• Rental units

Contact us today to book an appointment.

What Our Customers Are Saying…

“I have used Wayco twice, and both times I experienced excellent customer service . They had the right forklift for my needs at a reasonable price. I will be using their services in the future and recommend you do as well.”

— Gabe Gartner

Counterbalance Forklift - Best Models

Today we'll take a closer look at the counterbalance forklift.

We have over 40 years in the material handling industry and we would love to share our expertise and experience with you.

We'll let you know what a counterbalance forklift is and which are the best models for various applications to help you choose the right one for your needs. So, let's get going.

Learn about the different types of counterbalance forklift

What Is a Counterbalance Forklift?

A counterbalance forklift gets its name from its design. It is heavily weighted in the rear so that when it lifts an incredibly heavy load, the weight in the back can "counter" the front weight so that the forklift doesn't tip over. The two weights balance each other out and give the forklift stability.

Counterbalance Forklift Models

There are many different types of counterbalance forklift models to choose from. Each one has certain advantages which makes it suitable for specific applications. The various models can be categorized by fuel source, types of wheels, and lifting capacities.

Counterbalance Forklift: Electric, Propane, or Diesel?

You can choose the type of fuel that your counterbalance forklift uses. Here are the advantages and disadvantages of each type.

Electric Counterbalance forklift

An electric counterbalance forklift is great for indoor applications

Advantages:

An electric counterbalance forklift is your best choice for indoor applications. This is because electric forklifts do not cause harmful emissions like propane and diesel models.

They are also the best choice for working inside enclosed spaces such as unloading transports or shipping containers. Electric forklifts are also much more environmentally friendly than forklifts with internal combustion engines.

Electric forklifts are also the quietest type of counterbalance forklift and they cost less to maintain.

Certain models of lithium-ion-powered electric forklifts charge while you are operating them and only take about 2 hours to fully charge. Given this, they can be used for double and triple shifts without the need to purchase a second battery as you do with a lead-acid battery.

Lithium-ion batteries also don't need to be watered and carefully maintained like a lead-acid battery does, making them virtually maintenance-free.

Lithium-ion forklifts are virtually maintenance free

Disadvantages:

Lead-acid forklift batteries are large and cumbersome and they need to be carefully maintained. They also take about 8 to 10 hours to charge and another 8 hours for them to cool down before you can use them again. So you have to have more than one forklift battery to rotate if you want to do double shifts with your equipment which can be quite expensive.

Lithium-ion-powered counterbalance forklifts are more expensive to purchase upfront than propane forklifts, however, their total cost of ownership is much lower.

Electric forklifts don't perform as well in cold or wet locations.

Best for: Indoor applications and enclosed spaces

Propane Counterbalance forklift

Propane can be used indoors and outdoors

Advantages:

Propane-powered forklifts produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions and have a lower carbon content than diesel-powered models.

Because of their lower emissions, you can use them in both indoor and outdoor applications, however, you would still want to have proper ventilation if you are using them inside of a warehouse. They are also more eco-friendly than a diesel forklift.

Propane-powered forklifts are usually less expensive to purchase upfront than an electric forklift and it is faster and easier to change a propane tank than it is to change and charge a lead-acid battery.

Disadvantages:

Propane forklifts cost more to run than electric ones and they don't have as good of rear visibility due to the position of their propane tank. In addition, really cold temperatures may cause them to be less reliable.

Best for: Indoor and outdoor applications

Diesel Counterbalance forklift

A diesel counterbalance forklift will usually last longer than a propane or electric model

Advantages:

Diesel is much cheaper to purchase than propane. Diesel engines are generally more powerful than both electric and liquified petroleum gas (LPG) engines. Diesel forklifts also have a lower total cost of ownership compared to propane forklifts. Diesel engines generally last longer as well.

Disadvantages:

Because of their high dangerous emissions, diesel forklifts are not suitable for indoor applications. Diesel forklifts also are the most expensive to purchase.

Best for: Outdoor applications

Counterbalance Forklift: Cushion or Pneumatic?

Counterbalance forklifts also come with a choice of tires. You can purchase an electric, propane or diesel forklift with your choice of tires. Here are the different tires available.

Cushion Tires

Cushion tires work best for indoor applications

Advantages:

Cushion forklift tires are made from solid rubber and are attached directly on the wheel of your forklift. They are also smooth and do not have the deep treads found on pneumatic tires.

Because cushion forklift tires sit lower to the ground, they will give you a smaller turning radius. This means that they have exceptional maneuverability.

Disadvantages:

Cushion tires have a difficult time traveling over the uneven surfaces found outside, such as dirt and gravel. Because cushion tires have a lower clearance than pneumatic, they are unable to maneuver over rough surfaces.

Best for: Cushion forklift tires are best for indoor applications. This type of tire is designed to work best on even surfaces such as warehouse flooring.

Pneumatic Tires

Pneumatic tires are best for rough terrain

Advantages:

An air-filled pneumatic tire has an airtight inner core filled with pressurized air and covered by a tread that is usually reinforced with steel belting or other materials. The inside pressure of the tire is greater than the outside air pressure, which means that the tire will stay inflated even with the heavy weight of the vehicle pressing down on it.

Pneumatic tires are made out of very durable rubber and are constructed with a deep tread that makes them more durable than cushion tires. The deeper treads on a pneumatic tire are perfect for gripping uneven surfaces outside.

Air-filled pneumatic tires are filled with air, which cushions your ride and will give you a smoother overall operating experience. The air helps to absorb the bumps when going over potholes and other obstructions, making your operator’s ride much more comfortable. This absorbing effect will also help to lengthen the lifespan of your forklift as it will protect your trucks from the hard, constant jarring of the terrain.

Solid pneumatic tires are made of rubber or sometimes filled with foam instead of air. This makes them more puncture-proof than air-filled tires, but they don't give you as smooth of a ride.

Solid pneumatic tires resist punctures

Disadvantages:

Pneumatic tires can get punctured and will need to be repaired or replaced. They are also more expensive to buy than cushion tires and they are not suitable for warehouse floors. Because of their size, pneumatic forklifts usually have a larger turning radius, making them less maneuverable than a smaller cushion forklift.

Best for: If your forklifts are to be working on uneven or rugged terrain, such as gravel, pneumatic tires are your best choice.

You can also use pneumatic tires indoor for extra comfort for your operators, however, if you are working in tighter spaces and require greater maneuverability, you may want to choose a cushion tire.

NEED HELP CHOOSING THE BEST Counterbalance FORKLIFT? CONTACT WAYCO

Looking for the perfect counterbalance forklift for your needs? Contact Wayco. We are excited to be the exclusive dealer of Hangcha forklifts in southwestern Ontario. Whether you are in the market for a new or used forklift, talk to the professionals at Wayco. Selecting the best forklift for your particular situation isn’t easy, but the experts at Wayco can help.

They will listen to your needs and match you up with the perfect forklift to meet those needs and your budget.

Wayco also offers the best warranties in the business for both new and used forklifts so you can purchase with confidence! Contact us today!

What Our Customers Are Saying…

““I have used Wayco twice, and both times I experienced excellent customer service. They had the right forklift for my needs at a reasonable price. I will be using their services in the future and recommend you do as well.””

— Gabe Gartner

Read more reviews

What Is a Counterbalance Forklift?

What is a counterbalance forklift? A counterbalance forklift is the most common type of forklift. It gets its name because it has a heavy weight on the back that offsets the weight of the load it is carrying. Read on to find out more about these popular forklifts. If you need to purchase or rent a counterbalance forklift, contact the forklift professionals at ForkliftHub today. We have a wide selection of both new and used quality forklifts for sale and rent.

What Is a Counterbalance Forklift

It's the Most Common Forklift: A counterbalance forklift is one of the most common types of forklifts. You've probably seen many of them, but just didn't know that their proper name was a counterbalance forklift.

A Weight at the Rear Acts as a "Counterbalance": The term "counterbalance" comes from the fact that these types of forklifts are equipped with a very heavy weight at the rear of the truck that is able to off-set the load that you need to lift on the forks at the front of the truck. Without this weight, your forklift would become unbalanced and tip over from the extra weight on the forks.

Designed with Forks out Front: Counterbalance forklifts are designed with their forks protruding out at the front of the vehicle, and they don't have any outrigging legs or arms to stabilize them. This means that you can drive your forklift right up the the precise spots where your load or racking is located. You do not require a reach facility to access and deposit your load. The rear wheels are the turning wheels on a counterbalance forklift.

You can drive your counterbalance forklift to the precise spot where your load or racking is located

Difference Between Electric and Propane Gas Counterbalance Forklifts

At first glance, an electric and a propane gas counterbalance forklift looks pretty much the same. From the front, the two look almost identical and they have the similar seats and steering wheels. There are, however, a few key differences in design between the two.

Propane Counterbalance Forklifts:

Better for multiple shifts: If you are running your forklift for multiple shifts or around the clock, a propane one works much better. They are easy and quick to refuel; you simply need to change the propane tank and you are ready to go again.i

More powerful: A propane counterbalance forklift is more powerful and can lift more weight than the electric one. They are also much faster.

Four Hydraulic levers: The propane counterbalance forklift usually has one more hydraulic control than the electric version. The hydraulic levels from left to right include: up/down lever, tilt lever (to tilt your load), side shift lever (to move your load from side to side), attachment control (for attaching things like roll clamps or box clamps)

Electric and Propane counterbalance forklifts look similar but there are a few design differences

Inching brake: The propane counterbalance forklift has an accelerator and brake pedals like a car, but it also has an additional pedal to the left of the brake called an inching brake.

The inching brake allows you to hydraulically disengage the transmission. This is necessary because on this type of forklift, you need to hold down the accelerator pedal to raise or lower the forks. The inching brake allows you to safely do this without moving the truck forward.

Emergency brake pedal: To the left of the inching brake is the emergency brake pedal.

Steering column controls: The directional controls and the emergency brake release are located up on the steering column.

Exhaust: The propane will have an exhaust underneath whereas with an electric forklift, there is no exhaust because it doesn't give off fumes.

The inching brake allows you to hydraulically disengage the transmission to safely operate your forks

Electric Counterbalance Forklifts:

Better for working around food: If your forklift will be working around food, the electric counterbalance is a better choice. This is because the carbon expelled by the propane gas can harm the food.

Working Single Shifts: If you are using your forklift for single shifts or working regular business hours, you can charge it at night. If you prefer an electric forklift but you need to use it for multiple shifts, then an alternative is to purchase extra batteries.

Quieter: An electric counterbalance forklift is much quieter to run than a propane one.

Better for indoor applications: Electric forklifts don't need ventilation because they do not give off fumes so they are safer to use inside.

No inching brake: The electric forklift doesn't have an inching brake as it is not necessary. Unlike the propane truck, once you remove your foot from the accelerator, your forklift will not move forward.

A propane forklift is similar to an automatic car in that if you remove your foot from the accelerator and the vehicle is in "drive," the vehicle will move forward; the electric version will not. Because it it battery powered, the forks will raise up quickly so you don't need to hold down the accelerator to raise up the forks like you do with the propane version.

Because electric forklifts are battery powered, the forks will raise up quickly with no need to hold down the accelerator to raise up the forks

Three Hydraulic levers: Electric forklifts only have 3 hydraulic levers: up/down lever, tilt lever (to tilt your load), side shift lever (to move your load from side to side). They can still have attachments, but they would be added separately.

Emergency hand brake: The electric forklifts have an emergency hand brake, instead of a foot pedal.

Display panel: Most have a display panel that will tell you information such as the battery level or the amount of hours on the truck.

Battery: The battery used for an electric forklift is very heavy. They can weigh about 2000 pounds. That is about half the weight of a car. Because the battery is so heavy, it helps with the counterbalancing as it adds to the total weight of the forklift.

Three wheel counterbalance forklifts have a smaller turning circle so they are great in a tight space

Three Wheel Electric Counterbalance Forklifts

Electric counterbalance forklifts also come in a three wheel version. They have a smaller turning circle, so they are great if you need to operate in a tight space. Their maneuverability is much better than a 4 wheel forklift.

What's the Difference between a Counterbalance Forklift and a Reach Truck

Unlike the counterbalance forklift, a reach truck is designed with two outer legs that distribute the load and a single set of wheels located at the back, below the operator.

They have a very tight turning radius that allows them to operate in very narrow spaces. They also can lift loads to significant heights. They are battery operated and designed for indoor use only.

Reach trucks have two outer legs that distribute the load and a single set of wheels located at the back, below the operator

Counterbalance Forklift Rentals

If you need to use a counterbalance forklift or you need an extra one temporarily and don't want to have to buy one just yet, contact ForkliftHub. ForkliftHub rents out a full range of high-quality material handling equipment including counterbalance forklifts. We can offer you:

• Short and long-term rentals

• Daily, weekly, and monthly contracts

• Competitive rates

• Indoor and outdoor equipment in varying sizes and weight capacities

• Large fleet discounts

• Delivery right to your location

When you need this type of equipment, we're here to help. Renting allows you all the benefits of buying without the worries or hassles of maintenance and the huge initial capital outlay. Ask us about our leasing and rent-to-own options as well

ForkliftHub: For Counterbalance Forklifts and Safety Training Too

If you are looking for top-quality counterbalance forklifts, contact ForkliftHub. We sell the best forklifts you can buy and our knowledgeable staff will be able to help you choose the perfect model that will best suit your particular applications.

We will be happy to answer all of your questions and we can even provide top-notch safety training for your operators. Contact ForkliftHub today for all of your forklift needs.

ForkliftHub's intense and comprehensive forklift safety training program will provide you and your employees with the best safety training at the best price. This thorough program has a 98% pass rate. We can train individuals or groups at our facility or yours - you choose.

Our Safe Operation of a Lift Truck/Forklift Program is an excellent way for you to ensure forklift safety in your workplace. With our training, you will experience:

• Innovative training practices

• Affordable pricing

• Flexible and professional trainers

• Comprehensive in-class and practical experience

Contact ForkliftHub today to book your next session.