Forklifts have undergone a major evolution since their launch to the market during the 1920s. These machines are now much smarter and stronger. These types of machines have revolutionized the material handling world and have become irreplaceable workhorses in our warehouse and distribution facilities all around the globe.
The initial forklifts about 100 years ago, started as very simple pieces of motorized machinery that were just capable of moving pallet loads from one place to another. These days, really advanced units are available in the marketplace. These models are offered in different weight capacities, various designs and numerous lifting heights. Furthermore, these machines are offered with different ergonomic designs to improve operator comfort and a lot of new safety features. Keeping the driver as comfy as possible could really add to the overall productivity 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 equipment to move around and the forks could carry and lift loads. The basic design and application of various types of forklifts utilized in warehousing operations, manufacturing centers and distribution facilities is included in this article.
Counterbalanced Forklifts
Counterbalanced Forklifts consist of: Electric lift truck models as well as Internal Combustion or IC units.
Narrow-Aisle Lift Trucks
Narrow Aisle Forklifts consist of: Turret Trucks, Reach Trucks and Order-Pickers.
Low Lift Pallet Trucks or Pallet Jacks
Pallets Jacks comprise Electric-Powered Pallet Trucks and Non-Powered Pallet Trucks.
Counterbalanced Forklift Trucks
The lift truck is the most common type of forklift. This model is the sit-down, counterbalanced type. A weight found in the equipment'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 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 lift trucks are available with backup alarms and other safety features such as lights.
About 60% percent are electric units and about 40% percent are internal combustion models. Each type of lift truck has a specific place and is suited to accomplish lots of different tasks. Depending on whether or not you will be utilizing the machinery outdoors or inside and what kind of terrain and surfaces you will be operating on, as well as what particular kinds of loads you would be using determines the kind of lift truck which you would choose.