Forklifts have gone through a major evolution since their introduction to the market during the 1920s. These machines are now much stronger and smarter. They have revolutionized the material handling arena and have become irreplaceable workhorses in our distribution and warehouse centres all over the world.
At first, during their launch around 100 years ago, forklifts were really simple pieces of motorized machinery designed to transport pallet loads from one place to another. These days, extremely advanced models flood the marketplace. These units are available in various weight capacities, different designs and numerous lifting heights. In addition, these vehicles are offered with different ergonomic designs to improve driver comfort and numerous new safety features. Keeping the driver as comfy as possible can really add to the overall production attained during a shift.
Among the only remaining universal features which are on the huge range of lift trucks available today are the tires which move the equipment and the forks that are utilized to pick up loads. The basic application and design of different kinds of lift trucks utilized in manufacturing centers, distribution facilities and warehousing applications is covered in this specific article.
Counterbalanced Lift Trucks
Counterbalanced Forklifts consist of: Internal Combustion or IC units, as well as Electric Trucks.
Narrow-Aisle Forklifts
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 as well as Non-Powered Pallet Trucks.
Counterbalanced Forklift Trucks
The lift truck is the most common kind of forklift. This model is the sit-down, counterbalanced type. A weight found in the back of this equipment is responsible for counterbalancing the weight of the load. 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. What's more, these models are capable of lifting a range between 4,000 to 6,500 pounds. Counterbalanced forklifts come equipped with backup alarms and different other kinds of safety features like lights.
About 60% percent are electric models and approximately 40% percent are internal combustion models. Each and every type of forklift has a particular place and is ideal to complete lots of various jobs. Depending on whether or not you would be utilizing the equipment outside or indoors and what specific kinds of loads you will be using as well as what kind of terrain and surfaces you will be operating on determines the type of lift truck that you will select.