In manufacturing and warehouse environments, the types of machinery which operators use to shuttle supplies from one location to another are referred to as forklifts. The machinery lifts pallets, also called skids, that are loaded with items. The lift truck is designed with forks that insert into the rungs of the pallet. Sometimes, forklifts are also called Lift Trucks, Pallet Trucks, High/Low, Skid Trucks, Stacker-Trucks and Side Loaders.
Companies like Yale & Towne manufacturing and Clark sold the first forklifts during the early 1900s. These days most supplies stores on pallets and are delivered to warehouses. Forklifts are normally found inside manufacturing plants and warehouses, where they are utilized for the smooth operation of business.
The following are among the different types of skid lifts or pallets: Walkie low lift truck - with electrical motor; Rider low lift truck; Hand pallet truck; Towing tractor; IC counterbalanced truck; Sideloader; Telescopic handler; Walkie stacker; Rider stacker; Slip Sheet machine; Walkie Order Picking truck; Reach truck; Electric counterbalanced truck; Rider Order Picking truck - also known as "Order Picker"; Articulated Very Narrow Aisle Counterbalanced trucks - also known as "Flexi Truck"; Truck Mounted Forklift / Sod Loader; Guided Very Narrow Aisle truck; 'Man Down' - used for narrow aisles; and 'Man Riser' Combination Order Picker/ Stacker truck
There are counterbalanced forklift trucks available for specialized uses, like for example the articulated counterbalance truck. This particular hybrid is recommended for very narrow aisles as it is capable of onloading and offloading in really tight spaces.
The Guided Very Narrow Aisle Trucks are capable of lifting as high as 12 meters, and even up to 30 meters if it is a "non top-tied" version. These trucks are available in man down and man-riser models. This equipment must be utilized only on even and flat floors.