Forklifts have gone through a major change ever since their introduction to the market in the 1920s. These machines are now much smarter and stronger. They have revolutionized the material handling world and have become exceptional workhorses in our warehouse and distribution facilities all around the globe.
The initial forklifts about 100 years ago, began as really simple pieces of motorized machines which were only capable of moving pallet loads from one place to another. Today, very advanced models are available in the marketplace. These models are offered in various weight capacities, various designs and many lifting heights. Additionally, these machines come with a range of ergonomic designs to enhance operator comfort and many new safety features. Keeping the driver as comfy as possible could really add to the overall productivity accomplished during a shift.
Among the only remaining universal features that are on the huge variety of lift trucks available these days are the tires that move the machinery and the forks that are utilized to lift loads. The basic design and application of different types of forklifts used in manufacturing facilities, distribution facilities and warehousing operations is covered in this particular article.
Counterbalanced Lift Trucks
Counterbalanced Forklifts consist of: Internal Combustion or IC units, as well as Electric Trucks.
Narrow-Aisle Lift Trucks
Narrow Aisle Lift Trucks comprise: Reach Trucks, Order Pickers and Turret Trucks.
Low Lift Pallet Trucks or Pallet Jacks
Pallets Jacks include Electric-Powered Pallet Trucks as well as Non-Powered Pallet Trucks.
Counterbalanced Forklift Trucks
The most common kind of forklift is the counterbalanced sit-down kind of the lift truck. A weight situated in the machine's back is responsible for counterbalancing the load's weight. The counterbalance is what prevents the forklift the truck from tipping over.
Typically, a counterbalanced forklift has a lifting height of about 16 feet, 189 inches is the most popular. Also, these units are capable of lifting a range between 4,000 to 6,500 pounds. Counterbalanced lift trucks come equipped with backup alarms and various other types of safety features such as lights.
The lift truck market is now divided into about 60% electric models, with 40 percent IC units. Each type of lift truck has a particular place and is suited to complete many different tasks. Depending on whether or not you would be utilizing the equipment outdoors or indoors and what specific types of loads you will be utilizing as well as what type of surfaces and terrain you would be operating on determines the kind of lift truck which you will select.