Forklifts have undergone a major evolution ever since their launch to the market in the 1920s. These machines are now a lot stronger and smarter. These kinds of equipment have revolutionized the material handling world and have become exceptional workhorses within our warehouse and distribution centres all around the world.
Initially, during their launch about 100 years ago, forklifts were really simple pieces of motorized equipment designed to move pallet loads from one place to another. These days, very sophisticated models flood the marketplace. These models are offered in various weight capacities, different designs and numerous lifting heights. Moreover, these equipments come with different ergonomic designs to enhance driver comfort and numerous new safety features. Keeping the operator as comfortable as possible could greatly 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 machinery to move around and the forks could carry and lift loads. The basic application and design of different kinds of lift trucks utilized in manufacturing centers, distribution facilities and warehousing applications is included in this specific article.
Counterbalanced Lift Trucks
Counterbalanced Lift Trucks consist of: Internal Combustion or IC models, as well as Electric Trucks.
Narrow-Aisle Lift Trucks
Narrow Aisle Lift Trucks consist of: Order-Pickers, Turret Trucks and Reach Trucks.
Low Lift Pallet Jacks or Pallet Trucks
Pallets Jacks include Electric-Powered Pallet Trucks and Non-Powered Pallet Trucks.
Counterbalanced Forklift Trucks
The most common kind of lift truck is the counterbalanced sit-down version of the lift truck. A weight found in the rear of this machinery is responsible for counterbalancing the weight of the load. The counterbalance is what prevents the forklift the truck from tipping over.
Usually, a counterbalanced lift truck has a lifting height of around 16 feet, 189 inches is the most popular. Also, these models 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 approximately 40% percent are internal combustion models. Each and every kind of forklift has a specific place and is ideal to accomplish lots of different jobs. Depending on whether or not you would be utilizing the equipment outdoors or indoors and what kind of terrain and surfaces you would be operating on, as well as what particular kinds of loads you would be utilizing determines the type of lift truck which you would pick.