Lift trucks have gone through a major change since their launch to the market during the 1920s. These machines are now much smarter and stronger. These kinds of equipment have changed the material handling world and have become exceptional workhorses within our distribution and warehouse facilities all around the world.
The first lift trucks approximately 100 years ago, began as really simple pieces of motorized equipment which were only capable of transporting pallet loads from one place to another. Nowadays, really sophisticated models are offered in the marketplace. These models are offered in a wide variety of weight capacities, different designs and numerous lifting heights. Furthermore, these types of equipments are available with different ergonomic designs to enhance driver comfort and many new safety features. Keeping the operator as comfortable as possible can greatly add to the overall efficiency attained during a shift.
Among the only remaining universal features that are on the wide variety of forklifts available these days are the tires which move the equipment and the forks that are used to pick up loads. The basic design and application of different kinds of lift trucks used in warehousing applications, manufacturing facilities and distribution facilities is covered in this article.
Counterbalanced Forklifts
Counterbalanced Forklifts include: Electric forklift models as well as IC or Internal Combustion units.
Narrow-Aisle Lift Trucks
Narrow Aisle Lift Trucks include: Turret Trucks, Reach Trucks and Order-Pickers.
Low Lift Pallet Jacks or Pallet Trucks
Pallets Jacks comprise Electric-Powered Pallet Trucks and Non-Powered Pallet Trucks.
Counterbalanced Forklift Trucks
The forklift is the most common type of forklift. This model is the sit-down, counterbalanced type. A weight located in the back of this machine 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 around 16 feet, 189 inches is the most popular. In addition, these models could lift a range between 4,000 to 6,500 pounds. Counterbalanced forklifts come outfitted with backup alarms and other safety features like lights.
The lift truck market is presently divided into approximately 60 percent electric units, with 40% IC units. Each and every kind of forklift has a specific place and is best to accomplish a lot of different tasks. Depending on whether or not you will be using the machinery outdoors or indoors and what particular kinds of loads you will be using as well as what kind of terrain and surfaces you would be operating on determines the kind of forklift that you will select.