Since their introduction in the material handling business in the 1920s, forklifts have gone through a huge change. These days, these machines are a lot stronger and smarter. These kinds of machines have revolutionized the material handling world and have become exceptional workhorses in our warehouse and distribution centres all around the globe.
The initial forklifts around 100 years ago, started as very simple pieces of motorized machinery which were just capable of moving pallet loads from one place to another. Today, really sophisticated models flood the marketplace. These units are available in various weight capacities, various designs and many lifting heights. Moreover, these machinery come with various ergonomic designs to improve operator comfort and lots of new safety features. Keeping the operator as comfy as possible can greatly add to the overall efficiency accomplished during a shift.
Amongst the only remaining universal features which are on the huge array of lift trucks available nowadays are the tires which move the machinery and the forks which are used to raise loads. The basic application and design of different types of forklifts utilized in distribution facilities, warehousing operations and manufacturing centers is covered in this specific article.
Counterbalanced Lift Trucks
Counterbalanced Lift Trucks include: Internal Combustion or IC models, and Electric Trucks.
Narrow-Aisle Forklifts
Narrow Aisle Lift Trucks consist of: Order-Pickers, Turret Trucks and Reach Trucks.
Low Lift Pallet Jacks or Pallet Trucks
Pallets Jacks comprise Electric-Powered Pallet Trucks as well as Non-Powered Pallet Trucks.
Counterbalanced Forklift Trucks
The most common type of lift truck is the sit-down counterbalanced version of the lift truck. A weight located in the machine's back 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 about 16 feet, 189 inches is the most popular. Moreover, these units can lift a range between 4,000 to 6,500 pounds. Counterbalanced lift trucks are available with backup alarms and other safety features such as lights.
The lift truck market is presently divided into about 60 percent electric models, with 40% Internal Combustion units. Every kind of lift truck has a specific place and is best to accomplish many various tasks. Depending on whether or not you would be using the equipment outside or indoors and what kind of terrain and surfaces you would be operating on, as well as what specific types of cargo you will be using determines the type of forklift that you would pick.