Since their introduction in the material handling business in the 1920s, forklifts have gone through a huge evolution. These days, these high tech machines are much smarter and stronger. They have revolutionized the material handling arena and have become exceptional workhorses within our distribution and warehouse centres all over the world.
The initial forklifts approximately 100 years ago, began as really simple pieces of motorized machines which were just capable of moving pallet loads from one place to another. These days, really sophisticated models flood the marketplace. These models are offered in different weight capacities, different designs and many lifting heights. In addition, these kinds of machinery come with various ergonomic designs to improve operator comfort and a lot of new safety features. Keeping the driver as comfy as possible could greatly increase the overall efficiency accomplished during a shift.
Amongst the only remaining universal features that are on the huge variety of lift trucks available today are the tires that move the equipment and the forks that are used to pick up loads. The basic application and design of various kinds of lift trucks used in manufacturing facilities, distribution centers and warehousing applications is included in this particular article.
Counterbalanced Lift Trucks
Counterbalanced Forklifts comprise: IC or Internal Combustion models, and Electric Trucks.
Narrow-Aisle Lift Trucks
Narrow Aisle Forklifts include: Reach Trucks, Order Pickers and Turret Trucks.
Low Lift Pallet Jacks or Pallet Trucks
In this particular category, Electric-Powered Pallet Trucks are included, as are Non-Powered Pallet Trucks.
Counterbalanced Forklift Trucks
The forklift is the most common type of forklift. This model is the counterbalanced, sit-down kind. A weight situated in the machine's rear is responsible for counterbalancing the load's weight. 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. Furthermore, these models could lift a range between 4,000 to 6,500 pounds. Counterbalanced forklifts come equipped with backup alarms and other safety features such as lights.
Around 60% percent are electric models and around 40% percent are internal combustion units. Each and every kind of forklift has a particular place and is ideal to accomplish many various jobs. Depending on whether or not you would be utilizing the equipment outside or indoors and what type of surfaces and terrain you will be operating on, as well as what particular kinds of cargo you would be using determines the type of lift truck that you would choose.