Since their launch in the material handling industry during the 1920s, forklifts have undergone a huge evolution. These days, these machines are much stronger and smarter. They have revolutionized the material handling arena and have become irreplaceable workhorses in our warehouse and distribution facilities all over the world.
The first lift trucks approximately 100 years ago, started as really simple pieces of motorized machines which were just capable of transporting pallet loads from one place to another. Nowadays, very advanced units flood the marketplace. These models are available in a wide range of weight capacities, many lifting heights and various designs. Additionally, these types of vehicles come with various ergonomic designs to enhance operator comfort and many new safety features. Keeping the operator as comfy as possible can greatly add to the overall production accomplished during a shift.
One of the only remaining universal features which are on the huge variety of lift trucks available these days are the tires that move the machinery and the forks that are used to lift loads. The basic application and design of various types of lift trucks utilized in warehousing operations, manufacturing centers and distribution centers is covered in this article.
Counterbalanced Forklifts
Counterbalanced Lift Trucks comprise: Electric lift truck units as well as IC or Internal Combustion 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 category, Electric-Powered Pallet Trucks are included, as are Non-Powered Pallet Trucks.
Counterbalanced Forklift Trucks
The most common type of forklift is the counterbalanced sit-down type of the forklift. A weight found in the machine's back 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 roughly 16 feet, 189 inches is the most popular. Additionally, these models could lift a range between 4,000 to 6,500 pounds. Counterbalanced lift trucks come outfitted with backup alarms and various other kinds of safety features such as lights.
The lift truck market is currently divided into about 60% electric models, with 40 percent IC units. Every kind of forklift has a specific place and is ideal to complete lots of different jobs. Depending on whether or not you will be utilizing the machinery outside or indoors and what type of terrain and surfaces you would be operating on, as well as what particular types of loads you will be utilizing determines the kind of lift truck which you would select.