Lift trucks have undergone a major evolution since their launch to the market in the 1920s. These machines are now a lot smarter and stronger. They have revolutionized the material handling world and have become exceptional workhorses within our distribution and warehouse facilities all over the world.
The first forklifts about 100 years ago, began as really simple pieces of motorized machinery which were just capable of transporting pallet loads from one place to another. Nowadays, extremely sophisticated models are available in the marketplace. These units are offered in various weight capacities, many lifting heights and different designs. Additionally, these types of machinery are offered with various ergonomic designs to enhance operator comfort and many new safety features. Keeping the driver as comfy as possible could really increase the overall production accomplished during a shift.
A key feature placed on most of the available lift trucks on the market are forks and tires. Tires allow the machinery to move around and the forks can lift and carry loads. The basic application and design of various types of lift trucks used in warehousing operations, manufacturing centers and distribution centers is covered in this article.
Counterbalanced Lift Trucks
Counterbalanced Forklifts include: Electric lift truck models as well as IC or Internal Combustion units.
Narrow-Aisle Lift Trucks
Narrow Aisle Forklifts include: Turret Trucks, Reach Trucks and Order-Pickers.
Low Lift Pallet Jacks or Pallet Trucks
Pallets Jacks comprise Electric-Powered Pallet Trucks as well as Non-Powered Pallet Trucks.
Counterbalanced Forklift Trucks
The most common type of lift truck is the sit-down counterbalanced version of the lift truck. A weight situated in the back of this machinery is responsible for counterbalancing the weight of the load. The counterbalance is what prevents the forklift the truck from tipping over.
Normally, a counterbalanced forklift has a lifting height of approximately 16 feet, 189 inches is the most popular. As well, these units are capable of lifting a range between 4,000 to 6,500 pounds. Counterbalanced forklifts come equipped with backup alarms and other safety features like lights.
Approximately 60% percent are electric units and roughly 40% percent are internal combustion models. Each type of forklift has a particular place and is ideal to accomplish lots of various tasks. Depending on whether or not you would be using the equipment outdoors or indoors and what specific types of loads you will be utilizing as well as what kind of surfaces and terrain you will be operating on determines the kind of forklift that you would pick.