Forklifts have gone through a major evolution ever since their launch to the market during the 1920s. These machines are now a lot stronger and smarter. These types of machines have revolutionized the material handling arena and have become irreplaceable workhorses within our distribution and warehouse facilities all over the globe.
The first lift trucks around 100 years ago, began as really simple pieces of motorized machines which were only capable of transporting pallet loads from one place to another. These days, very sophisticated units flood the marketplace. These units are offered in various weight capacities, many lifting heights and various designs. Furthermore, these vehicles are available with different ergonomic designs to improve operator comfort and lots of new safety features. Keeping the operator as comfortable as possible can greatly add to the overall efficiency attained during a shift.
Among the only remaining universal features which are on the huge range of lift trucks available nowadays are the tires which move the equipment and the forks that are utilized to lift loads. The basic design and application of various kinds of lift trucks utilized in warehousing applications, manufacturing centers and distribution facilities is included in this article.
Counterbalanced Forklifts
Counterbalanced Forklifts include: Internal Combustion or IC models, and Electric Trucks.
Narrow-Aisle Forklifts
Narrow Aisle Forklifts comprise: Turret Trucks, Reach Trucks and Order-Pickers.
Low Lift Pallet Trucks or Pallet Jacks
In this category, 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 unit is the counterbalanced, sit-down type. A weight found in the back of this equipment is responsible for counterbalancing the load's weight. The counterbalance is what prevents the forklift the truck from tipping over.
Typically, a counterbalanced forklift has a lifting height of around 16 feet, 189 inches is the most popular. Moreover, these models are capable of lifting a range between 4,000 to 6,500 pounds. Counterbalanced forklifts are offered with backup alarms and other safety features such as lights.
The forklift market is now divided into around 60 percent electric units, with 40 percent Internal Combustion units. Each and every type of lift truck has a specific place and is suited to complete a lot of different jobs. Depending on whether or not you will be utilizing the machine outside or inside and what specific kinds of cargo you will be utilizing as well as what kind of surfaces and terrain you will be operating on determines the type of lift truck which you will pick.