Forklifts have undergone a major change since their launch to the market during the 1920s. These machines are now much smarter and stronger. They have changed the material handling arena and have become exceptional workhorses in our warehouse and distribution centres all around the world.
At first, during their launch about 100 years ago, lift trucks were very simple pieces of motorized machinery designed to transport pallet loads from one place to another. Today, very advanced models flood the marketplace. These units are available in a wide array of weight capacities, numerous lifting heights and different designs. In addition, these vehicles come with various ergonomic designs to enhance driver comfort and many new safety features. Keeping the operator as comfy as possible could greatly add to the overall production accomplished during a shift.
Among the only remaining universal features that are on the huge variety of forklifts available nowadays are the tires that move the machine and the forks which are utilized to pick up loads. The basic application and design of different types of forklifts used in distribution facilities, warehousing applications and manufacturing centers is included in this particular article.
Counterbalanced Lift Trucks
Counterbalanced Forklifts comprise: Electric lift truck models and Internal Combustion or IC units.
Narrow-Aisle Lift Trucks
Narrow Aisle Forklifts include: Reach Trucks, Order Pickers and Turret Trucks.
Low Lift Pallet Trucks or Pallet Jacks
In this class, Electric-Powered Pallet Trucks are included, as are Non-Powered Pallet Trucks.
Counterbalanced Forklift Trucks
The most common type of forklift is the sit-down counterbalanced type of the lift truck. A weight found in the equipment's rear is responsible for counterbalancing the weight of the load. The counterbalance is what prevents the forklift the truck from tipping over.
Typically, a counterbalanced lift truck has a lifting height of roughly 16 feet, 189 inches is the most popular. As well, these models could lift a range between 4,000 to 6,500 pounds. Counterbalanced forklifts are available with backup alarms and different other types of safety features such as lights.
Approximately 60% percent are electric units and around 40% percent are IC models. Every kind of lift truck has a specific place and is best to complete many various jobs. Depending on whether or not you would be using the equipment outdoors or indoors and what particular types of cargo you would be utilizing as well as what kind of terrain and surfaces you will be operating on determines the type of forklift which you would choose.