Forklifts have undergone a major change ever since their introduction to the market during the 1920s. These machines are now much smarter and stronger. They have revolutionized the material handling arena and have become exceptional workhorses within our warehouse and distribution centres all over the world.
Initially, during their introduction around 100 years ago, lift trucks were really simple pieces of motorized machines designed to move pallet loads from one place to another. Today, extremely advanced units flood the marketplace. These units are available in a wide variety of weight capacities, numerous lifting heights and various designs. Moreover, these types of machinery are offered with different ergonomic designs to enhance operator comfort and numerous new safety features. Keeping the operator as comfortable as possible could greatly increase the overall production accomplished during a shift.
One of the only remaining universal features which are on the wide range of forklifts available these days are the tires that move the equipment and the forks which are used to raise loads. The basic design and application of different types of lift trucks used in manufacturing centers, distribution facilities and warehousing operations is covered in this article.
Counterbalanced Forklifts
Counterbalanced Forklifts consist of: Internal Combustion or IC models, as well as Electric Trucks.
Narrow-Aisle Forklifts
Narrow Aisle Forklifts consist of: Reach Trucks, Order Pickers and Turret Trucks.
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 most common kind of forklift is the counterbalanced sit-down version of the lift truck. A weight located in the machine'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 around 16 feet, 189 inches is the most popular. Furthermore, these units are capable of lifting a range between 4,000 to 6,500 pounds. Counterbalanced lift trucks come outfitted with backup alarms and other safety features like for example lights.
Roughly 60% percent are electric models and approximately 40% percent are IC models. Each and every type of forklift has a particular place and is suited to complete many different jobs. Depending on whether or not you will be utilizing the equipment outdoors or inside and what particular types of cargo you will be utilizing as well as what kind of surfaces and terrain you will be operating on determines the type of lift truck that you will pick.