Since their introduction in the material handling business during the 1920s, lift trucks have undergone a huge change. Nowadays, these machines are a lot smarter and stronger. They have changed the material handling world and have become exceptional workhorses within our warehouse and distribution centres all around the world.
At first, during their introduction approximately 100 years ago, forklifts were really simple pieces of motorized equipment made to move pallet loads from one place to another. Nowadays, really sophisticated models are available in the marketplace. These units are available in a huge range of weight capacities, many lifting heights and various designs. Moreover, these types of machinery come with a range of ergonomic designs to improve operator comfort and many new safety features. Keeping the driver as comfortable as possible could really increase the overall production attained during a shift.
A key feature placed on nearly all of the available lift trucks on the market are forks and tires. Tires allow the machine to move around and the forks can carry and lift loads. The basic design and application of different kinds of forklifts used in warehousing applications, manufacturing facilities and distribution centers is covered in this particular article.
Counterbalanced Forklifts
Counterbalanced Forklifts include: IC or Internal Combustion units, and Electric Trucks.
Narrow-Aisle Lift Trucks
Narrow Aisle Lift Trucks comprise: Turret Trucks, Reach Trucks and Order-Pickers.
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 lift truck is the most common type of lift truck. This model is the sit-down, counterbalanced version. A weight found in the equipment'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 forklift has a lifting height of approximately 16 feet, 189 inches is the most popular. In addition, these units are capable of lifting a range between 4,000 to 6,500 pounds. Counterbalanced forklifts come equipped with backup alarms and various other kinds of safety features such as lights.
Roughly 60% percent are electric models and approximately 40% percent are IC models. Every type of forklift has a particular place and is suited to complete lots of different jobs. Depending on whether or not you would be using the machinery outdoors or indoors and what specific kinds of loads you would be using as well as what type of surfaces and terrain you will be operating on determines the type of lift truck that you will pick.