Lift trucks have undergone a major evolution since their launch to the market in the 1920s. These machines are now much stronger and smarter. They have revolutionized the material handling arena and have become exceptional workhorses in our warehouse and distribution centres all around the globe.
The initial forklifts about 100 years ago, began as very simple pieces of motorized machines which were only capable of transporting pallet loads from one place to another. Today, extremely advanced units flood the marketplace. These models are offered in various weight capacities, many lifting heights and different designs. Moreover, these machinery are offered with a range of ergonomic designs to enhance operator comfort and numerous new safety features. Keeping the driver as comfortable as possible can really add to the overall efficiency attained during a shift.
A key feature placed on the majority of the available lift trucks on the market are tires and forks. Tires allow the machinery to move around and the forks could lift and carry loads. The basic design and application of various types of lift trucks utilized in distribution centers, warehousing operations and manufacturing centers is included in this article.
Counterbalanced Lift Trucks
Counterbalanced Forklifts comprise: Electric forklift units as well as Internal Combustion or IC models.
Narrow-Aisle Lift Trucks
Narrow Aisle Forklifts comprise: Reach Trucks, Order Pickers and Turret Trucks.
Low Lift Pallet Jacks or Pallet Trucks
Pallets Jacks include Electric-Powered Pallet Trucks as well as Non-Powered Pallet Trucks.
Counterbalanced Forklift Trucks
The forklift is the most common type of forklift. This unit is the counterbalanced, sit-down version. 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 lift truck has a lifting height of about 16 feet, 189 inches is the most popular. Moreover, these units could lift a range between 4,000 to 6,500 pounds. Counterbalanced lift trucks are offered with backup alarms and other safety features such as lights.
About 60% percent are electric models and roughly 40% percent are internal combustion units. Each kind of lift truck has a specific place and is best to accomplish many different jobs. Depending on whether or not you would be using the equipment outside or indoors and what kind of terrain and surfaces you would be operating on, as well as what specific kinds of loads you would be using determines the type of forklift which you will choose.