Ever since their introduction in the material handling industry in the 1920s, forklifts have undergone a huge evolution. Today, these high tech machines are a lot stronger and smarter. They have revolutionized the material handling world and have become exceptional workhorses in our distribution and warehouse facilities all around the world.
Initially, during their introduction around 100 years ago, lift trucks were really simple pieces of motorized machines designed to transport pallet loads from one place to another. These days, extremely advanced units flood the marketplace. These models are offered in various weight capacities, many lifting heights and different designs. Furthermore, these types of machinery are offered with a variety of ergonomic designs to improve driver comfort and lots of new safety features. Keeping the operator as comfy as possible could greatly increase the overall production accomplished during a shift.
Amongst the only remaining universal features that are on the huge array of lift trucks available these days are the tires which move the machinery and the forks that are utilized to lift loads. The basic application and design of various kinds of forklifts utilized in warehousing operations, manufacturing centers and distribution facilities is included in this article.
Counterbalanced Forklifts
Counterbalanced Forklifts consist of: IC or Internal Combustion models, and Electric Trucks.
Narrow-Aisle Lift Trucks
Narrow Aisle Forklifts comprise: Turret Trucks, Reach Trucks and Order-Pickers.
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 most common kind of forklift is the counterbalanced sit-down type of the forklift. A weight found in the machine's rear is responsible for counterbalancing the load's weight. The counterbalance is what prevents the forklift the truck from tipping over.
Usually, a counterbalanced forklift has a lifting height of about 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 lift trucks come equipped with backup alarms and different other types of safety features such as lights.
The forklift market is currently divided into approximately 60% electric units, with 40 percent IC units. Each type of lift truck has a specific place and is ideal to accomplish many different jobs. Depending on whether or not you will be using the machinery outdoors or indoors and what kind of surfaces and terrain you will be operating on, as well as what particular types of cargo you would be using determines the kind of forklift which you would pick.