Ever since their introduction in the material handling business in the 1920s, lift trucks have undergone a huge change. Nowadays, these high tech machines are much smarter and stronger. They have revolutionized the material handling world and have become exceptional workhorses in our distribution and warehouse centres all over the world.
The initial forklifts around 100 years ago, started as very simple pieces of motorized machinery which were just capable of transporting pallet loads from one place to another. Today, extremely sophisticated models flood the marketplace. These models are offered in a wide array of weight capacities, various designs and numerous lifting heights. Additionally, these kinds of machinery come with various ergonomic designs to enhance operator comfort and many new safety features. Keeping the operator as comfortable as possible could greatly increase the overall production accomplished during a shift.
Among the only remaining universal features which are on the wide variety of lift trucks available nowadays are the tires that move the equipment and the forks that are utilized to pick up loads. The basic design and application of different types of lift trucks utilized in distribution facilities, warehousing operations and manufacturing centers is included in this particular article.
Counterbalanced Lift Trucks
Counterbalanced Forklifts comprise: Internal Combustion or IC models, as well as Electric Trucks.
Narrow-Aisle Forklifts
Narrow Aisle Lift Trucks comprise: 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 forklift is the most common type of lift truck. This unit is the counterbalanced, sit-down type. A weight found in the rear of this equipment is responsible for counterbalancing the weight of the load. The counterbalance is what prevents the forklift the truck from tipping over.
Normally, a counterbalanced lift truck has a lifting height of about 16 feet, 189 inches is the most popular. Moreover, these units are capable of lifting a range between 4,000 to 6,500 pounds. Counterbalanced lift trucks are offered with backup alarms and various other kinds of safety features like lights.
Around 60% percent are electric units and approximately 40% percent are internal combustion units. Every kind of forklift has a particular place and is suited to accomplish many various jobs. Depending on whether or not you will be using the equipment outside or inside and what particular kinds of cargo you would be using as well as what kind of terrain and surfaces you will be operating on determines the kind of lift truck that you would select.