Forklift-friendly concrete blocks serve to expedite the building process on a construction project that requires concrete blocks. In this blog, we will be sharing with you the advantages of forklift-compatible concrete blocks.
As an established and trusted concrete provider, PPC Concrete Products aim to provide solutions for people in the construction industry. We supply interlocking concrete blocks, jersey barriers, forklift blocks, and more.
PPC Concrete Products is here to provide the answers you may be looking for whilst giving you an insight into the quality concrete options we supply. Our supplies are fit for purpose and generally provide no issues with building regulations, not to mention being safe to use for a variety of construction needs.
The demand for construction is only increasing, on a private and industrial level. Whichever side you fall into, A forklift-friendly concrete block may be an option to help keep your site secure regardless of its shape.
The forklift blocks we supply are a version of our interlocking concrete blocks that can be moved by forklifts, let us tell you more about the uses and benefits of interlocking concrete blocks below.
What is a forklift-friendly block?
As the name alludes to, a forklift-friendly block is our style of interlocking concrete block which has the ability to be moved by forklifts, resulting in a much easier method of transporting interlocking concrete blocks on site.
This is facilitated by specific spaces we have made at the bottom of the blocks that allow the fork area of a forklift to easily slide in to establish a hold on the block.
What size are forklift blocks?
We now offer the 1800x 600 x 600 mm (1560kg) and the 1600x 800 x800mm (2460kg) block with forklift slots.
Is a forklift block the same as an interlocking concrete block?
In regard to our products, they are the same but with some nominal differences. Our forklift blocks have all the same capabilities of an interlocking concrete block and can be used for most if not all of the same uses too.
The main difference is the slots at the bottom of our forklift blocks that allow them to be carried by forklifts, aside from that there may be slight differences in sizes and weights, but for the most part, they are almost identical.
This means you can access the features of our interlocking concrete blocks, but with the ease of movement offered by the use of a forklift. Here are some of the uses of our interlocking concrete blocks that are shared with our forklift blocks.
Our forklift blocks and interlocking concrete blocks can be used for:
- Material Storage bays
- Blast walls
- Salt stores
- Crash protection
- Push walls
- Security barriers
- Segregation bays i.e recycling centres
- Retaining walls
- Industrial buildings
- Fire breaks
- Counterweights
- Roadblocks
Advantages of forklift-compatible concrete blocks
Our forklift blocks share a lot of similar features to our interlocking concrete blocks and therefore share most of the same benefits. Like interlocking concrete blocks, forklift blocks are perfect for almost every construction environment.
The advantages of forklift-compatible concrete blocks include, but are not limited to:
- Easier to manoeuvre with the use of a forklift
- Can be moved with other appropriate machinery if required
- Durable
- Weatherproof
- Can be stacked upon each other
- Naturally long-lasting
- No need for a foundation before placing
- More than one size is available.
- Little to no maintenance is required
- Can be interlocked
- Becomes more secure once the blocks are interlocked
- Has fire-resistant properties
- Can be used for temporary and some permanent buildings
- Has sound-resistant properties
Additionally, forklift blocks can be used to make retaining walls, roadblocks, security barriers, segregation bays and material storage bays and more.
Disadvantages of forklift blocks
- May not be suitable for all forklifts (depending on the lifting capacity)
- Has a plain aesthetic
- Can be extremely dangerous if not moved & placed correctly
As you can see, the advantages of forklift blocks far outweigh the disadvantages. Two of the three disadvantages we highlighted can be easily avoided by simply following standard safety procedures, being diligent and using the right equipment.
Although aesthetics isn’t a disadvantage that hinders the build, it could bother the landowner, thankfully, it can be painted if required.
Are forklift blocks needed for every build?
Forklift blocks may not be needed for every single build, but they can prove to be invaluable, as well as saving you time and money on builds like a retaining wall for example.
Using a forklift block for a retaining wall will speed up the process as you don’t have to use a larger machine to move the blocks into place, it can be facilitated with a forklift that would take up less space, and be much more precise due to its manoeuvrability.
Can I move a forklift block manually?
No, as we mentioned earlier these blocks are over 1000 KG, therefore you would need a large group of people to move the block, which in itself would be difficult without risking injury to anyone.
Forklift blocks can be moved by other heavier machinery if necessary, however, these blocks were designed specifically for forklifts, so it is best to use one if you are in the process of trying to move a forklift block.
Can a forklift block be used as site security?
It is possible to use a forklift block for site security, the stacking capability makes it easier to essentially create a wall around the perimeter. However, we believe using our concrete barriers is a better option in this instance.
Our concrete barriers are designed to prevent entry to a work site, its wider base enhances its stability and its size and ability to interlock further prevents any possibility of a vehicle driving through them.
That being said, barrier blocks aren’t tall enough to stop someone from climbing over. In this instance it is good practice to have on-site security, especially for industrial or large-scale builds to prevent any issues from a tresspasser.
What is the best forklift to use for a forklift block?
Understandably, due to the heavy weight of our forklift blocks, you can’t use a forklift that can’t manage heavy loads. Depending on the blocks you choose (or if you choose both), you would have to opt for a forklift that has lifting capabilities that include 1560KG and 2460KG respectively.
Failure to use the appropriate forklift for this task will result in you damaging or even breaking the forklift in question. Additionally, you then pose a risk to the forklift operator and any other workers in their vicinity.
Using a weight that the forklift wasn’t made for may bend the fork, break the fork or cause the forklift to tilt over which will result in injury. As a result, you would be made liable to pay for the repairs of the forklift, which can hamper the progress of your build and make you spend more money than you need to.
Purchase a Forklift Block today
As an established supplier all over the UK, PPC Concrete Products is always happy to help, which is why we encourage you to get in touch with any questions you may have or take a look at our FAQ.
In this article, we hope to have shared with you the advantages of forklift-compatible concrete blocks, whilst also providing extra information in regard to construction solutions that we offer.
Take a read of our case studies to truly understand how we have provided solutions for business in the past with the use of our interlocking concrete blocks, and ultimately, how we can help you today.
Read our blog page for more insights into our passion, construction.
Address:
The Old Gasworks,
Higginshaw Lane,
Royton,
Oldham,
OL2 6HQ
Opening Hours:
Monday to Friday – 8 AM til 4 PM
Tel: 01706 655245
Email: info@ppcconcreteproducts.co.uk
