Ever since their introduction in the material handling industry in the 1920s, forklifts have gone through a huge evolution. Today, these machines are much smarter and stronger. These kinds of machines have revolutionized the material handling arena and have become irreplaceable workhorses in our warehouse and distribution centres all around the globe.
The initial lift trucks around 100 years ago, started as really simple pieces of motorized machinery which were just capable of transporting pallet loads from one place to another. Nowadays, very sophisticated units are offered in the marketplace. These units are available in a huge range of weight capacities, numerous lifting heights and various designs. Additionally, these kinds of vehicles are available with a variety of ergonomic designs to enhance driver comfort and many new safety features. Keeping the operator as comfy as possible can greatly increase the overall efficiency accomplished during a shift.
Among the only remaining universal features which are on the huge array of forklifts available today are the tires which move the machinery and the forks that are used to raise loads. The basic application and design of different kinds of forklifts used in warehousing applications, manufacturing centers and distribution centers is included in this particular article.
Counterbalanced Lift Trucks
Counterbalanced Forklifts consist of: Electric lift truck models and IC or Internal Combustion models.
Narrow-Aisle Lift Trucks
Narrow Aisle Lift Trucks comprise: Turret Trucks, Reach Trucks and Order-Pickers.
Low Lift Pallet Jacks or Pallet Trucks
Pallets Jacks consist of Electric-Powered Pallet Trucks and 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 situated 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. As well, these models are capable of lifting a range between 4,000 to 6,500 pounds. Counterbalanced lift trucks are available with backup alarms and other safety features such as lights.
About 60% percent are electric models and about 40% percent are internal combustion models. Every type of lift truck has a particular place and is suited to accomplish lots of different tasks. Depending on whether or not you would be utilizing the machine outside or inside and what particular types of cargo you will be utilizing as well as what type of terrain and surfaces you will be operating on determines the kind of forklift which you would pick.