Lift trucks have gone through a major change ever since their launch to the market in the 1920s. These machines are now a lot smarter and stronger. They have revolutionized the material handling world and have become irreplaceable workhorses within our distribution and warehouse facilities all over the world.
The first forklifts about 100 years ago, began as really simple pieces of motorized machines which were only capable of moving pallet loads from one place to another. These days, really advanced models flood the marketplace. These models are available in a huge range of weight capacities, various designs and numerous lifting heights. Additionally, these machines are offered with various ergonomic designs to improve operator comfort and many new safety features. Keeping the driver as comfortable as possible can really increase the overall production accomplished during a shift.
One of the only remaining universal features which are on the wide range of lift trucks available nowadays are the tires that move the equipment and the forks which are utilized to pick up loads. The basic design and application of different kinds of lift trucks utilized in warehousing operations, manufacturing centers and distribution facilities is included in this specific article.
Counterbalanced Lift Trucks
Counterbalanced Forklifts consist of: Electric lift truck units as well as IC or Internal Combustion models.
Narrow-Aisle Forklifts
Narrow Aisle Lift Trucks include: Turret Trucks, Reach Trucks and Order-Pickers.
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 kind of lift truck is the counterbalanced sit-down version of the forklift. A weight found in the machine's rear is responsible for counterbalancing the load's weight. The counterbalance is what prevents the forklift the truck from tipping over.
Usually, a counterbalanced forklift has a lifting height of about 16 feet, 189 inches is the most popular. Additionally, these units are capable of lifting a range between 4,000 to 6,500 pounds. Counterbalanced lift trucks are available with backup alarms and various other kinds of safety features like for instance lights.
The forklift market is now divided into roughly 60 percent electric units, with 40% Internal Combustion units. Each kind of lift truck has a particular place and is best to complete a lot of different jobs. Depending on whether or not you will be utilizing the machine outdoors or indoors and what type of surfaces and terrain you would be operating on, as well as what specific types of cargo you would be utilizing determines the type of forklift which you would select.