Forklift Trucks
Forklift trucks (fig. 2-9) are vehicles designed to
pick up and carry unit loads of materials. The types of
forklift trucks commonly used by the AKs are discussed
in the following paragraphs.
COUNTERBALANCED TRUCKS.— TMS type
of truck (fig. 2-9) carries the pallet load straight in front
on permanently aligned forks. These trucks must turn
at right angles to place the material in storage. They
require wide aisles and substantial floor capacity. They
are available in electric or internal combustion models.
NARROW-AISLE TRUCKS.— These trucks are
in three categories; the straddle, reach, and side-loading
truck (figure 2-9). In straddle trucks, the load is carried
between the front outrigger wheels to minimize the need
for counterbalancing. Straddle forklift trucks are also
known as tiering trucks. The reach truck is a variation
of straddle or tiering truck. It is commonly used in
shore activities. It is more maneuverable than the
standard forklift trucks and can generally operate in
narrow aisles.
Side-loading trucks normally operate to one side of
the aisle and place the load laterally. These trucks come
in various designs. Some travel along the length of the
aisles with permanently located masts, equipped with a
reach device to move the forks out from the side. Some
types have moving masts that add to the extension
capability and permit double placement of the load.
Other types have a rotating or swing mast that can reach
out to the side. These types of trucks are also known as
front/side loaders.
Dollies
A dolly is a small, low platform load carrier that is
generally equipped with rollers, casters, or wheels.
Dollies are hand propelled (do not have handles) and
are used for low-volume moves over short distances.
Hand Trucks
The types of hand trucks are the two-wheel and
four- or six- wheel platform.
TWO-WHEEL HAND TRUCKS.— Two-wheel
hand trucks are designed for tilt and carry operation.
They are generally used for moving small volume and
lightweight items over variable paths and limited space.
HANDLIFT TRUCK, MK 45.— This is a special
type of hand truck that is used for lifting and
maneuvering long heavy containers. They are used in
pairs with one truck positioned at each end of the
container. The AKs may use this type of truck for
moving some types of aircraft engine containers such
as an F404 engine container. This truck consists of an
aluminum body, a tow bar, and a lift mechanism It is
equipped with two wheels and polyurethane tires. The
lift mechanism includes a lift arm and a mounting pin
for engaging the load. The lift mechanism is manually
operated by a reversible ratchet wrench to raise or lower
the lift arm assembly. (See figure 2-10 for an
illustration of handlift truck, Mk 45.) When used on
board ship, this equipment is usually under the
inventory responsibility of the weapons department.
FOUR-WHEEL HAND TRUCKS.— The
four-wheel hand trucks are rectangular load-carrying
platforms fitted with a handle at one or both ends. Some
types are equipped with two swivel casters located at
the comers of the platform. Other models have two
large wheels centered on the sides and two smaller
wheels centered on the ends. The four-wheel hand
trucks are used for moving low volume and light loads
for short distances.
OPERATORS OF MATERIAL HANDLING
EQUIPMENT (MHE)
This chapter provides only the basic information
needed to supervise and guide the MHE operators.
Consult your local and higher echelon directives and
procedures concerning licensing and safety
requirements. In this chapter, the MHE refers to a
forklift truck.
To qualify as an MHE operator, each person is
required-to meet some specific
include the vision, hearing,
requirements. These
and reaction tests.
Figure 2-10.—Handlift truck, Mk 45.
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