Stand up forklifts have no place for an operator to sit and are therefore an alternative to seated units. They are used for quick loading and unloading in applications where the operator needs to frequently mount and dismount the forklift. This type of forklift also offers tight handling and maneuvering, and is only used indoors on smooth surfaces like concrete.
Stand up forklifts are designed for quick loading and unloading in applications in which the operator is required to mount and dismount frequently and therefore is not in a seated control position, but rather is standing up while operating the vehicle. The operator can be forward or side-mounted, depending on the layout of the facility in which the standup truck is used. Forklift trucks are found in a wide variety of applications in warehouses, construction sites, storage facilities and manufacturing plants. As with other forklift trucks, stand up forklifts are used in loading, unloading and moving of goods and materials. In addition to superior handling and maneuvering, stand up forklifts are able to be used in tight spaces without causing damage to goods or to vehicles. Standup forklifts require a high level of safety precautions to be taken when in use. The operators must look in the direction of travel and be in control of the vehicle. Concerns regarding stand up forklift trucks are similar to concerns with other types of industrial trucks. Stand up forklifts can typically handle a load capacity of up to 5,000lbs, and therefore adequate balancing is imperative to avoid disastrous results.
Due to the potentially heavy loads which forklifts are required to manage, there is a need for counterbalancing to prevent the vehicles from tipping over. As the reach of the lifting mechanism can be several feet in the air, even a small load places tension on the balance of the lift truck. To prevent the truck from toppling over, counterbalancing weights are often placed at the back of the vehicle to weigh it down, or in addition base legs may be used to provide further stability when a load is being raised. Collisions and tipping over are the most dangerous and common hazards in areas in which forklifts are operated. Under-riding may occur in vehicles without a rear guard and this can cause serious injuries or fatalities. Therefore, it is important for warning signals to be used to prevent collisions with other vehicles as well as with pedestrians working within the factory space too, especially when a vehicle is backing up. In addition, an independent spotter should be relied on for directional instructions in locations where a driver's vision is obstructed. Standup forklifts can be rear wheel or front wheel drive depending on the location of the lifting mechanism and the specifics of the operation itself.
