Since their launch in the material handling industry during the 1920s, lift trucks have undergone a huge change. Today, these machines are much stronger and smarter. They have revolutionized the material handling world and have become irreplaceable workhorses in our warehouse and distribution facilities all over the globe.
The initial forklifts approximately 100 years ago, began as really simple pieces of motorized machinery which were only capable of moving pallet loads from one place to another. These days, really sophisticated models are available in the marketplace. These models are offered in different weight capacities, various designs and many lifting heights. Furthermore, these machines are available with different ergonomic designs to improve operator comfort and many new safety features. Keeping the driver as comfortable as possible can really add to the overall efficiency attained during a shift.
Among the only remaining universal features that are on the huge variety of forklifts available these days are the tires that move the machinery and the forks that are utilized to lift loads. The basic application and design of various kinds of forklifts used in distribution centers, warehousing applications and manufacturing facilities is included in this article.
Counterbalanced Lift Trucks
Counterbalanced Lift Trucks consist of: Electric forklift units as well as IC or Internal Combustion models.
Narrow-Aisle Forklifts
Narrow Aisle Forklifts comprise: Order-Pickers, Turret Trucks and Reach Trucks.
Low Lift Pallet Jacks or Pallet Trucks
In this particular 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 located 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.
Normally, a counterbalanced forklift has a lifting height of about 16 feet, 189 inches is the most popular. What's more, these models are capable of lifting a range between 4,000 to 6,500 pounds. Counterbalanced forklifts come equipped with backup alarms and various other types of safety features like for example lights.
About 60% percent are electric models and around 40% percent are internal combustion units. Each kind of lift truck has a specific place and is ideal to accomplish many different jobs. Depending on whether or not you would be utilizing the equipment outside or inside and what particular types of loads you will be utilizing as well as what kind of surfaces and terrain you will be operating on determines the type of forklift that you will select.