Forklifts have undergone a major change since their introduction to the market in the 1920s. These machines are now much smarter and stronger. These kinds of machinery have revolutionized the material handling arena and have become irreplaceable workhorses in our distribution and warehouse facilities all around the world.
Initially, during their introduction around 100 years ago, lift trucks were really simple pieces of motorized machinery made to transport pallet loads from one place to another. Today, extremely advanced units flood the marketplace. These models are offered in different weight capacities, various designs and numerous lifting heights. Moreover, these kinds of vehicles are offered with various ergonomic designs to improve operator comfort and numerous new safety features. Keeping the driver as comfortable as possible can greatly increase the overall productivity attained during a shift.
Among the only remaining universal features that are on the wide range of lift trucks available these days are the tires which move the machinery and the forks that are utilized to lift loads. The basic design and application of various types of lift trucks used in warehousing operations, manufacturing facilities and distribution facilities is included in this article.
Counterbalanced Lift Trucks
Counterbalanced Lift Trucks comprise: Electric forklift units as well as Internal Combustion or IC units.
Narrow-Aisle Forklifts
Narrow Aisle Lift Trucks comprise: Reach Trucks, Order Pickers and Turret Trucks.
Low Lift Pallet Jacks or Pallet Trucks
In this class, Electric-Powered Pallet Trucks are included, as are Non-Powered Pallet Trucks.
Counterbalanced Forklift Trucks
The forklift is the most common type of lift truck. This model is the sit-down, counterbalanced kind. A weight located in the rear of this machine is responsible for counterbalancing the weight of the load. The counterbalance is what prevents the forklift the truck from tipping over.
Normally, a counterbalanced forklift has a lifting height of roughly 16 feet, 189 inches is the most popular. What's more, these models are capable of lifting a range between 4,000 to 6,500 pounds. Counterbalanced lift trucks come equipped with backup alarms and various other kinds of safety features such as lights.
The forklift market is now divided into around 60 percent electric models, with 40 percent Internal Combustion units. Each kind of forklift has a particular place and is ideal to complete many various jobs. Depending on whether or not you would be utilizing the equipment outside or indoors and what particular kinds of loads you would be using as well as what kind of terrain and surfaces you will be operating on determines the type of forklift that you will pick.