Forklifts have gone through a major evolution ever since their introduction to the market in the 1920s. These machines are now much stronger and smarter. They have changed the material handling arena and have become exceptional workhorses within our distribution and warehouse centres all around the globe.
Initially, during their launch about 100 years ago, lift trucks were really simple pieces of motorized machines made to transport pallet loads from one place to another. Nowadays, extremely sophisticated models flood the marketplace. These units are offered in different weight capacities, various designs and numerous lifting heights. Furthermore, these machinery come with a range of ergonomic designs to enhance driver comfort and a lot of new safety features. Keeping the driver as comfortable as possible can really add to the overall efficiency accomplished during a shift.
Among the only remaining universal features which are on the wide array of lift trucks available today are the tires that move the machine and the forks which are utilized to lift loads. The basic application and design of different types of forklifts utilized in warehousing operations, manufacturing facilities and distribution centers is included in this specific article.
Counterbalanced Lift Trucks
Counterbalanced Lift Trucks include: IC or Internal Combustion units, as well as Electric Trucks.
Narrow-Aisle Forklifts
Narrow Aisle Lift Trucks consist of: Order-Pickers, Turret Trucks and Reach Trucks.
Low Lift Pallet Jacks or Pallet Trucks
Pallets Jacks comprise Electric-Powered Pallet Trucks and Non-Powered Pallet Trucks.
Counterbalanced Forklift Trucks
The lift truck is the most common kind of lift truck. This unit is the counterbalanced, sit-down version. A weight found in the back of this equipment is responsible for counterbalancing the weight of the load. The counterbalance is what prevents the forklift the truck from tipping over.
Usually, a counterbalanced lift truck has a lifting height of about 16 feet, 189 inches is the most popular. In addition, these units can lift a range between 4,000 to 6,500 pounds. Counterbalanced lift trucks come equipped with backup alarms and other safety features such as lights.
Around 60% percent are electric units and around 40% percent are internal combustion units. Each and every type of forklift has a specific place and is ideal to complete many various jobs. Depending on whether or not you will be utilizing the equipment outdoors or inside and what kind of surfaces and terrain you will be operating on, as well as what specific types of cargo you will be utilizing determines the kind of forklift which you would pick.