Counterbalance Trucks: The ultimate FAQ guide

Counterbalance trucks are a type of lift truck with a heavyweight in the rear to counter the heavyweight it carries in front through the fork arms. These versatile trucks come with two forks in front that can quickly drive up to load, pick, and move it. The CUBLIFT counterbalance truck is a versatile machine that finds numerous applications in both indoor and outdoor settings. It is robust and reliable in lifting various heavy loads as it can be powered by gas, diesel, and electricity. So, if you need a machine to move different types of loads on smooth and open spaces, get the CUBLIFT counterbalance truck.

This write-up provides essential information about the CUBLIFT counterbalance truck, how it works, and the values that you stand to get from purchasing it. I know you have been looking for answers to those questions you have about the CUBLIFT counterbalance truck and counterbalance trucks in general. Well, here are comprehensive answers to some of those vital questions.

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Conclusion

What type of industries and environments would the CUBLIFT Counterbalance Truck find applications in?

The CUBLIFT counterbalance truck is a multifunctional utility truck on four or three wheels. This machine is useable in wide spaces where loads need to go from one place to another. These kinds of areas include docks, aisles, airports, big warehouses, and other storage facilities where shipping and storage are regular activities. It is one very efficient lift truck for picking an item from the docks to the warehouse. Despite its turning radius, the CUBLIFT counterbalance truck has very sensible dimensions that ensure that it fits into most operating areas. The CUBLIFT counterbalance trucks are very suitable for cross-docking, dock-to-store, or other operations where the loads are below 260 inches. You can also use it in many terrains as CUBLIFT ensures that the wheels and systems are adaptable to the different ground and environmental conditions.

Are there variants of the CUBLIFT counterbalance truck?

The CUBLIFT counterbalance truck has two basic designs: the stand-up and sit-down types. The sit-down lift truck either runs on three or four wheels, while the stand-up CUBLIFT counterbalance truck runs on two wheels. The sit-down CUBLIFT counterbalance truck is suitable for extended operations wherein the operator will not have to come off the truck frequently, like in moving loads from docks to storage. The sit-down CUBLIFT counterbalance truck provides better vertical clearance, gradeability, less wheel loading than its stand-up counterpart. However, the CUBLIFT counterbalance trucks with four wheels usually have higher loading capacity and more stability, while the ones with three wheels are suitable for environments requiring niftier maneuvering. Although the stand-up CUBLIFT counterbalance truck typically travels at less speed than the sit-up ones, they can easily navigate choked warehouses and crowded spaces. The stand-up CUBLIFT counterbalance truck offers all-round visibility, multifunctional handle, plugging. Each of the designs identified above has relevance, and deciding on the one to purchase is simply a function of your preferences and industrial needs. So the truth is none is inferior to the other.

What factors should I consider before getting the CUBLIFT Counterbalance Truck?

With the numerous types and classes of counterbalance trucks out there, it’s challenging to realize the particular style you most need. If you want to buy one of the countless models of CUBLIFT counterbalance truck that we have, here are some specifications to look out for:

• Elevated and extended height
• Overall collapsed height
• The hydraulic functions of the mast
• Maximum load capacity
• Storing height.

Aside from the specification of the machine, it would help if you also considered the following factors

• The size of the warehouse
• How items are stacked

There might also be other factors that are peculiar to your workspace; identify them and put them into consideration before deciding on the CUBLIFT counterbalance truck to buy.

What values and advantages do I stand to gain from the CUBLIFT Counterbalance Truck?

CUBLIFT is one Chinese manufacturing outfit responsible for producing some of the most reliable machines like the counterbalance truck. We have been providing industrial solutions to customers since 2001, and our counterbalance truck will offer you the following benefits.

• The load capacity is up to 7000 pounds.
• Reduced routine maintenance
• Less noise
• A team of engineers to provide services and support
• Variety of fork lengths to different sizes of loads
• Well-designed and superior ergonomics.
• Customized counterbalance trucks to suit your preference and industrial needs. Such premium products are available on demand.
• Flexibility and versatility in providing mechanical assistance
• Excellent brake pedals that help to reduce the stress level for the operator
• Less downtime

Does the CUBLIFT counterbalance truck have operational limitations?

Like most other lift trucks and forklifts, it is not all warehouse operations that the counterbalance truck is suitable for. For instance, it is not advisable to use the CUBLIFT counterbalance truck for pallet picking, operation in very narrow spaces and above the height of 260 inches. Also, they can only handle loads of up to 7000KG; anything above that is risky. Since the fork arms protrude from the front of the counterbalance truck, operators have to be careful how they navigate the warehouse.

What is the CUBLIFT Counterbalance Truck?

The CUBLIFT counterbalance truck is a machine widely used in distribution and loading centers, where there is a need for stacking, loading, and transportation of goods. It consists of many parts like the truck frame, which is the lift truck’s base on which all the other parts are built. The CUBLIFT counterbalance truck has a heavy mass at the rear to prevent it from tipping over while carrying a heavy load. There is also the cab, where the operator sits with access to the steering wheels, lever, and control pedals. The cab could also represent the space wherein the operator stands if it’s a stand-up counterbalanced truck. It comes with an overhead metal roof to protect the operator and the lift truck from falling objects in the warehouse. The CUBLIFT counterbalance truck has a mast with forks incorporated into it to move up and down. The carriage connects the forks and other attachments to the mast. It works the hydraulics alongside the tilt cylinders to control the fork arms, and it has bushings and rollers to guide it in the mast rails. Lastly, the CUBLIFT counterbalance truck also includes a load backrest to ensure that the loads are stable and are resting on the metal platform.

How do I operate the Counterbalance Truck?

Firstly, the CUBLIFT counterbalance truck is very multifunctional but quite simple to use. This machine’s operation revolves around one of its most critical parts: the fork arms, which can move up and down the mast via the Emergency Reverse Function. With this function, the operator can control the lift with the push of a button. The buttons, lever, and steering are all in the cab where the operator sits or stands. So, you can place the fork arms into the palletized load and then move it up or down a certain height on the mast. With the steering wheels and brakes, the operator controls the CUBLIFT counterbalance truck’s movement. The weight at the back of the CUBLIFT counterbalance truck helps to counter the load on the fork arms.

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What powers the CUBLIFT Counterbalance Truck?

The CUBLIFT counterbalance trucks get power from three different sources; electricity, gas, and diesel. The sources of power are critical as they have significant effects on the price and functions. The electric CUBLIFT counterbalance truck might be expensive to buy, but they are straightforward to maintain. They work very quietly without producing emissions and are ideal for distribution operations in warehouses. The gas-powered models of the CUBLIFT counterbalance truck is a great choice for outdoor functions. These are not as expensive as the electric counterbalance truck, but they are complicated to run and maintain due to the constant need for propane gas. And operators would have to be changing the gas canisters over a specific period. However, the gas-powered counterbalance trucks perform excellently in multiple shifts. If your warehouse is so busy that it will require the counterbalance truck working round the clock, then the gas models would be a great option. The gas-powered counterbalance truck is more powerful with a higher lift capacity, and it can travel faster. These impressive features also come with quick fuel consumption, so the more power it exerts, the more fuel it consumes per time.

The gas counterbalance truck needs hydraulic control than the electric counterpart like the inching brake. This inching brake is like a pedal to the left of the brake. The inching brake allows operators to safely raise or lower the forks without moving the truck forward. The electric models do not need the inching brake to achieve the feature described above due to the electric nature.

The gas counterbalance truck uses exhaust to remove the fumes from the combustion engine. Due to the emission of carbon from gas or any other fuel, the electric counterbalance truck is better for facilities that store food or edible substances. Operators have to charge the electric counterbalance trucks for a long time overnight, so they are not suitable for multiple shifts. Most times, the full charge can only last for one shift, and if you must use it for numerous shifts, then there would be a need for extra batteries. The electric counterbalance truck usually has a display panel that describes the battery level and the number of hours left on the truck.

Do I need special training to switch from electric to gas-powered Counterbalance Trucks?

These two types of counterbalance trucks have very similar working mechanisms, but there are also very significant differences that the operator has to consider. This consideration includes

• Pre-use inspections
• Power source replenishment
• Hydraulic control usage
• Responsiveness
• Speed

These differences necessitate the need for some reorientation, maybe not training. For example, in a diesel counterbalance truck, the accelerator affects the hydraulics’ operation, unlike in the electric version. So, a driver used to the electric counterbalance truck might not have a good grab on how handling the accelerator might affect the gas-powered counterbalance truck’s motion. In the aspect of power source replenishment, the electric counterbalance truck requires charging and recharging. Although it can expose operators to battery acid and electricity, it is no way close to the level of exposure when refilling diesel counterbalance trucks. The latter likely leads to fumes, spillages, skin contact with diesel. For propane gas, operators of the counterbalance trucks are in danger of cold burns. In a nutshell, the risk level associated with the two types of counterbalance trucks is not the same. So operators need a reorientation and imbibe a different level of caution and consciousness. Most employers educate their operators about the risks. Well, this is not enough. The reorientation should include how to minimize the risks, the symptoms to look out for when something is wrong, and the next line of action in the event of accidents. This reorientation is also essential when the operator has to switch from gas-powered to electric counterbalance trucks. Let’s look at some of these scenarios.

1. Operators of electric counterbalance trucks should know how to detect the smell of Sulphur, which is usually indicative of a serious fault with the battery. If that is the case, then the operator should put off the counterbalance truck. The operators should also have personal protective equipment when working with batteries. They should also know the steps to take when exposed to acid.
2. Operators of diesel counterbalance trucks should know that they should adequately rinse the contact point with clean water if there is diesel contact with the eyes or skin. They should also know the dangers of such an occurrence if they do not take the right step. And when there is a spillage, operators should deal with it as fast as possible. And if it is something beyond the operator’s control, notify the supervisor or manager.
3. The LPG or gas counterbalance trucks are even more hazardous and require more training on the correct handling techniques. Operators should also know about the right Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), like using neoprene gloves instead of fabric gloves. They also need to know the correct positioning when filling the tank and should be able to spot gas leaks.

These are just some of the necessary reorientation for operators when switching truck power types. For more delicate analysis on switching to a different kind of counterbalance truck, contact our engineers through our website cublift.com.

What is the difference between a Counterbalance Truck and a Reach Truck?

Our customers often ask us this question, and the truth is that there are a couple of differences between these two machines. Firstly, the reach truck does not use counterweights as it has very stable legs and a somewhat heavy battery to ensure balance. Some reach trucks even use cameras to transmit life feeds to an LCD screen in the cab. The reach truck can reach out to pallets on high shelves. Even in tight environments, it can maneuver its way around to move palletized loads, unlike the Counterbalance truck, which needs to be in front of the load before it can operate on it.

The reach truck typically has two outer legs that help with the load distribution. It has wheels at the back just below the operator’s stand. The reach truck can also operate in spaces as narrow as 2.4 meters due to the low turning radius. The difference between these two only sheds more light on the fact that they are suitable for different situations and perform different functions.

What do I do to become a good Counterbalance Truck driver?

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The counterbalance trucks are ubiquitous in warehouses as they are responsible for transporting goods from one place to another, loading and unloading at certain heights. You can use the counterbalance trucks indoors and outdoors, and sometimes they might need to be used on uneven surfaces. Firstly, as an operator of this machine, you might find yourself operating in workplaces like construction sites, ports, warehouses, storage facilities, and factories. For you to be a great driver, you need to familiarize yourself with possible duties such as:

• Unloading goods from docks
• Moving loads from ships or aircraft to designated destinations.
• Picking items and order delivery
• Loading goods.

Apart from these duties, the primary responsibility of the driver is to ensure safety during operation. Operators must maintain consistent followership of the safety regulations at every time. It is illegal to operate the counterbalance truck without a license. So, the first step to being a good counterbalance truck driver is to have a license. There are different approved licensing agencies all around the world. Like in the UK, there are training outfits like

• Association of Industrial Truck Trainers
• Independent Training Standards Scheme and Register
• Construction Industry Training Board

You can look for any training center close to you and enroll in a training course. If you are new to a counterbalance truck’s operation, there is no problem as you might have to go through between 3 to 6 days of training before taking the test. Good training addresses legislation, safety guidelines, introduction to counterbalance trucks, operating with different load types, basic maneuvering techniques, and how to start and stop.

Also, there are no specific educational qualifications required before you can become a counterbalance truck driver. However, to be a good driver, you need to exhibit a high concentration and accuracy level.

What precautions should I take when operating the CUBLIFT counterbalance truck?

The first point of safety precaution is routine inspection. Pre-use inspection is fundamental to ensuring safety during the operation of the CUBLIFT counterbalance truck. Operators have the obligation of checking and inspecting this equipment before use. An operator should not attempt to use a defective counterbalance truck or even attempt to repair it without prior repair skills. Guess what! You do not need any mechanical skills before carrying out the necessary visual inspection. However, before the inspection, you need to ensure the following.

• The counterbalance truck must be in a park position, and the operator needs to switch off with the key removed.
• Operators and every other person involved should wear appropriate personal protective equipment.
• CUBLIFT, like most manufacturers, includes some safety recommendations for scenarios like this. Make sure you follow these recommendations to the letter.

Ideally, every part of the counterbalance truck needs inspection, but we will only address some critical components.

1. Fork arms: check each fork arm for wear, cracks, and bending. Due to the arms’ constant movement, it is exposed to wear, making the edges thinner and jagged. Operators need to be attentive to the fork hooks and carriage plates as they have a tendency to wear and fractures due to regular movement that goes on in that area. The CUBLIFT counterbalance truck usually has pins that help secure the fork arms in place. Ensure that these pins are in a good state and that both arms of the fork have equal space apart on the carriage. Any joints around the fork arms need to be adequately lubricated, and they must be in good shape.
2. Attachment: The CUBLIFT counterbalance truck has many extensions, and each of them should be securely in place. They mustn’t be worn-out nor cracked if they come with locking pins, welded joints, or pivots.
3. Carriage plate: The carriage plate of the CUBLIFT counterbalance truck should have no damage. The bolt and locking pins should be tightly in their proper position.
4. Mast: The mast is a significant part of the counterbalance truck. The pivots bearings and tilt rams that connect it to the main body should be secure and be continuously lubricated. The mast’s channels also need inspection as there might be debris, dirt which might be disturbing its motion.
5. Rollers/slides: These rollers must be free from uneven wear or any form of wear at all. It also needs to be frequently lubricated.
6. Lift chain: You have to check the lift chains for any evidence of deformation, loosed, or damaged pins. Also, make sure that the link plates are free from corrosion.

Other components or parts that should get full inspection are

• Chain pulleys
• Audible warning signals
• Lights
• Operator’s seat
• Steering
• Capacity plate

Lastly, another essential aspect of safety precaution is fault reporting. If operators detect damage or fault in the counterbalance truck or any other machine, they are automatically responsible for reporting it. In such a case, the operator must not use such faulty equipment, and he must report the fault or damage on the inspection sheets. The operator can also carry out further inspection if the need arises and if it is safe to do such. Furthermore, the operator or any other warehouse personnel should isolate the faulty equipment from use with the “Out of Service” label attached to it. Lastly, you must inform a manager or supervisor of this discovery or defect.

On the other hand, if this discovery occurs during use, then you should;

• Safely park the truck at that instant
• Isolate the counterbalance truck from use and place the “Out of Service” label on it.
• Inform a supervisor or manager of the fault

Can I use another forklift’s license to operate the Counterbalance Truck? 

Despite the similarity between these machines, the slight difference requires a lot of adaptation regarding handling and general usage. A typical mishandling can easily lead to workplace accidents; this is why reorientation and re-training are essential as your safety is at risk. This tendency of accidents is why most of these agencies offer a unique training program for a particular machine. After the training, you get a certificate, which many persons refer to as a license.

Many persons mix the two words, but the fact is that after training, what you get is a certificate. This training certifies you as a trained operator of a particular machine like the counterbalance truck.

Conclusion

In today’s industrial world, choosing and correctly using the right forklift and lift truck could potentially save you a lot of costs. Many warehouses are very small, especially those on lease by square meter, and they try to maximize the space as much as possible. If you have such compact space, you need some mechanical and electrical help for material handling. This is exactly where CUBLIFT comes in. We have the experience, reputation, and stretch of models to fulfill every form of feature that you might need in a counterbalance truck for your warehouse. We have several models of the counterbalance truck that you can choose from.