Forklifts have gone through a major evolution since their introduction to the market in the 1920s. These machines are now much smarter and stronger. These types of machines have changed the material handling world and have become irreplaceable workhorses within our warehouse and distribution centres all over the world.
At first, during their introduction approximately 100 years ago, lift trucks were really simple pieces of motorized machinery made to transport pallet loads from one place to another. Today, really advanced models flood the marketplace. These models are offered in a wide variety of weight capacities, numerous lifting heights and various designs. Moreover, these kinds of vehicles are available with different ergonomic designs to improve driver comfort and many new safety features. Keeping the driver as comfy as possible could greatly increase the overall efficiency accomplished during a shift.
A key feature placed on most of the available lift trucks on the market are tires and forks. Tires enable the machine to move around and the forks can lift and carry loads. The basic design and application of various types of forklifts used in warehousing operations, manufacturing centers and distribution centers is covered in this particular article.
Counterbalanced Lift Trucks
Counterbalanced Forklifts comprise: Internal Combustion or IC models, and Electric Trucks.
Narrow-Aisle Lift Trucks
Narrow Aisle Lift Trucks consist of: Reach Trucks, Order Pickers and Turret Trucks.
Low Lift Pallet Jacks or Pallet Trucks
Pallets Jacks include 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 type. A weight located in the equipment'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 would normally have lifting heights of around 16 feet, or 189 inches. As well, these units can lift a range between 4,000 to 6,500 pounds. Counterbalanced lift trucks are offered with backup alarms and various other kinds of safety features like for example lights.
The lift truck market is currently divided into roughly 60% electric models, with 40 percent Internal Combustion units. Each type of forklift has a specific place and is suited to accomplish many various jobs. Depending on whether or not you will be utilizing the machine outside or inside and what kind of surfaces and terrain you would be operating on, as well as what particular kinds of loads you will be utilizing determines the kind of lift truck which you would select.