Forklifts have gone through a major change ever since their introduction to the market during the 1920s. These machines are now a lot smarter and stronger. They have revolutionized the material handling world and have become exceptional workhorses within our warehouse and distribution facilities all around the globe.
At first, during their launch approximately 100 years ago, forklifts were really simple pieces of motorized machines made to transport pallet loads from one place to another. Nowadays, very sophisticated models flood the marketplace. These units are available in various weight capacities, numerous lifting heights and different designs. Furthermore, these kinds of machines come with a range of ergonomic designs to enhance driver comfort and many new safety features. Keeping the operator as comfortable as possible can greatly add to the overall efficiency accomplished during a shift.
One of the only remaining universal features that are on the huge array of forklifts available today are the tires that move the machinery and the forks which are utilized to lift loads. The basic design and application of different types of lift trucks used in warehousing operations, manufacturing facilities and distribution facilities is covered in this particular article.
Counterbalanced Forklifts
Counterbalanced Lift Trucks consist of: Internal Combustion or IC models, as well as Electric Trucks.
Narrow-Aisle Lift Trucks
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 lift truck is the most common kind of lift truck. This model is the sit-down, counterbalanced type. A weight found in the machine's rear is responsible for counterbalancing the weight of the load. The counterbalance is what prevents the forklift the truck from tipping over.
Counterbalanced lift trucks will typically have lifting heights of around 16 feet, or 189 inches. Moreover, these models are capable of lifting a range between 4,000 to 6,500 pounds. Counterbalanced lift trucks come outfitted with backup alarms and various other types of safety features like lights.
The forklift market is now divided into about 60 percent electric models, with 40 percent IC units. Every kind of lift truck has a specific place and is best to accomplish many various jobs. Depending on whether or not you will be using the machinery outside or indoors and what particular types of loads you would be using as well as what type of surfaces and terrain you would be operating on determines the kind of forklift which you will choose.