Lift trucks have undergone a major evolution since their launch to the market during the 1920s. These machines are now much smarter and stronger. These types of equipment have revolutionized the material handling arena and have become irreplaceable workhorses in our warehouse and distribution centres all around the world.
Initially, during their introduction roughly 100 years ago, forklifts were very simple pieces of motorized equipment designed to transport pallet loads from one place to another. Today, really advanced models flood the marketplace. These units are available in various weight capacities, various designs and numerous lifting heights. Moreover, these machines are available with different ergonomic designs to enhance operator comfort and many new safety features. Keeping the driver as comfortable as possible could really 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 allow the machine to move around and the forks can carry and lift loads. The basic application and design of various types of lift trucks utilized in warehousing applications, manufacturing centers and distribution centers is included in this specific article.
Counterbalanced Forklifts
Counterbalanced Forklifts consist of: Internal Combustion or IC models, as well as Electric Trucks.
Narrow-Aisle Lift Trucks
Narrow Aisle Forklifts consist of: Turret Trucks, Reach Trucks and Order-Pickers.
Low Lift Pallet Trucks or Pallet Jacks
In this particular class, Electric-Powered Pallet Trucks are included, as are Non-Powered Pallet Trucks.
Counterbalanced Forklift Trucks
The most common type of forklift is the counterbalanced sit-down version of the forklift. A weight situated in the machine's rear 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 around 16 feet, 189 inches is the most popular. In addition, these units are capable of lifting a range between 4,000 to 6,500 pounds. Counterbalanced lift trucks come equipped with backup alarms and different other kinds of safety features such as lights.
The lift truck market is currently divided into approximately 60% electric units, with 40 percent Internal Combustion units. Each type of forklift has a specific place and is suited to accomplish many different tasks. Depending on whether or not you would be utilizing the machine outside or inside and what particular types of cargo you will be using as well as what kind of surfaces and terrain you would be operating on determines the type of lift truck that you will pick.