Forklifts have undergone a major change since their launch to the market in the 1920s. These machines are now much stronger and smarter. They have revolutionized the material handling world and have become irreplaceable workhorses within our warehouse and distribution centres all over the globe.
The initial lift trucks around 100 years ago, started as really simple pieces of motorized machinery that were only capable of transporting pallet loads from one place to another. Today, really sophisticated models are available in the marketplace. These models are available in various weight capacities, numerous lifting heights and different designs. Additionally, these equipments are offered with different ergonomic designs to improve operator comfort and a lot of new safety features. Keeping the driver as comfortable as possible can greatly add to the overall efficiency accomplished during a shift.
A key feature placed on the majority of the available lift trucks on the market are tires and forks. Tires enable the machinery to move around and the forks can carry and lift loads. The basic design and application of various kinds of lift trucks utilized in manufacturing facilities, distribution centers and warehousing operations is included in this specific article.
Counterbalanced Forklifts
Counterbalanced Forklifts consist of: Electric lift truck units as well as Internal Combustion or IC models.
Narrow-Aisle Forklifts
Narrow Aisle Forklifts comprise: Order-Pickers, Turret Trucks and Reach Trucks.
Low Lift Pallet Jacks or Pallet Trucks
In this particular class, Electric-Powered Pallet Trucks are included, as are Non-Powered Pallet Trucks.
Counterbalanced Forklift Trucks
The lift truck is the most common kind of forklift. This model is the counterbalanced, sit-down type. 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.
Counterbalanced lift trucks would usually have lifting heights of around 16 feet, or 189 inches. Moreover, these units can lift a range between 4,000 to 6,500 pounds. Counterbalanced forklifts are available with backup alarms and various other kinds of safety features like lights.
The lift truck market is currently divided into around 60% electric models, with 40 percent IC units. Each and every kind of forklift has a specific place and is best to complete lots of various tasks. Depending on whether or not you will be utilizing the equipment outside or inside and what specific types of loads you would be utilizing as well as what type of surfaces and terrain you would be operating on determines the kind of forklift which you would select.