Forklifts have gone through a major evolution ever since their launch to the market during the 1920s. These machines are now a lot smarter and stronger. These types of equipment have revolutionized the material handling arena and have become irreplaceable workhorses in our warehouse and distribution centres all over the globe.
At first, during their introduction about 100 years ago, lift trucks were very simple pieces of motorized machines made to transport pallet loads from one place to another. Nowadays, very advanced units are offered in the marketplace. These models are available in a wide range of weight capacities, different designs and many lifting heights. Additionally, these machines come with a range of ergonomic designs to enhance operator comfort and lots of new safety features. Keeping the driver as comfy as possible can greatly add to the overall efficiency accomplished during a shift.
Among the only remaining universal features that are on the huge variety of forklifts available today are the tires which move the equipment and the forks that are utilized to lift loads. The basic application and design of various types of lift trucks utilized in warehousing operations, manufacturing facilities and distribution facilities is covered in this article.
Counterbalanced Forklifts
Counterbalanced Forklifts comprise: Electric forklift units as well as Internal Combustion or IC models.
Narrow-Aisle Lift Trucks
Narrow Aisle Forklifts comprise: 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 forklift is the most common kind of forklift. This unit is the sit-down, counterbalanced type. A weight situated in the back of this equipment is responsible for counterbalancing the load's weight. The counterbalance is what prevents the forklift the truck from tipping over.
Counterbalanced forklifts would usually have lifting heights of about 16 feet, or 189 inches. What's more, these models are capable of lifting a range between 4,000 to 6,500 pounds. Counterbalanced forklifts are offered with backup alarms and other safety features like for example lights.
The forklift market is now divided into approximately 60% electric models, with 40% Internal Combustion units. Every kind of forklift has a particular place and is best to complete lots of different tasks. Depending on whether or not you will be using the machine outside or indoors and what type of surfaces and terrain you would be operating on, as well as what specific kinds of loads you will be using determines the kind of lift truck which you would pick.