Lift trucks have undergone a major evolution ever since their launch to the market during the 1920s. These machines are now much smarter and stronger. These kinds of machinery have changed the material handling world and have become exceptional workhorses within our warehouse and distribution facilities all over the world.
The initial forklifts approximately 100 years ago, began as really simple pieces of motorized machinery which were only capable of moving pallet loads from one place to another. These days, very advanced models are offered in the marketplace. These units are offered in various weight capacities, many lifting heights and various designs. In addition, these types of equipments are available with various ergonomic designs to enhance driver comfort and many new safety features. Keeping the driver as comfy as possible could really increase the overall efficiency attained during a shift.
A key feature placed on most of the available lift trucks on the market are tires and forks. Tires allow the machinery to move around and the forks could carry and lift loads. The basic application and design of various types of lift trucks used in manufacturing centers, distribution centers and warehousing applications is included in this article.
Counterbalanced Forklifts
Counterbalanced Forklifts comprise: Internal Combustion or IC models, and Electric Trucks.
Narrow-Aisle Forklifts
Narrow Aisle Forklifts include: Reach Trucks, Order Pickers and Turret Trucks.
Low Lift Pallet Trucks or Pallet Jacks
Pallets Jacks consist of Electric-Powered Pallet Trucks and Non-Powered Pallet Trucks.
Counterbalanced Forklift Trucks
The most common kind of lift truck is the counterbalanced sit-down kind of the forklift. A weight found in the rear of this machinery 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 around 16 feet, 189 inches is the most popular. In addition, these models can lift a range between 4,000 to 6,500 pounds. Counterbalanced lift trucks are offered with backup alarms and other safety features such as lights.
Roughly 60% percent are electric models and roughly 40% percent are internal combustion models. Each kind of forklift has a specific place and is best to complete many different tasks. Depending on whether or not you would be using the equipment outdoors or indoors and what type of surfaces and terrain you would be operating on, as well as what particular types of loads you would be utilizing determines the kind of forklift which you will pick.