Ever since their introduction in the material handling business during the 1920s, forklifts have gone through a huge change. Nowadays, these high tech machines are a lot smarter and stronger. These types of machinery have changed the material handling arena and have become irreplaceable workhorses in our warehouse and distribution facilities all over the world.
Initially, during their introduction around 100 years ago, forklifts were really simple pieces of motorized equipment designed to transport pallet loads from one place to another. Today, extremely advanced units are offered in the marketplace. These units are available in various weight capacities, numerous lifting heights and different designs. Moreover, these kinds of machines are available with a range of ergonomic designs to enhance operator comfort and many new safety features. Keeping the operator as comfortable as possible could really increase the overall production 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 machinery and the forks that are used to pick up loads. The basic design and application of different kinds of lift trucks utilized in warehousing applications, manufacturing facilities and distribution facilities is covered in this particular article.
Counterbalanced Forklifts
Counterbalanced Forklifts consist of: IC or Internal Combustion units, as well as Electric Trucks.
Narrow-Aisle Lift Trucks
Narrow Aisle Lift Trucks consist of: Turret Trucks, Reach Trucks and Order-Pickers.
Low Lift Pallet Trucks or Pallet Jacks
In this category, Electric-Powered Pallet Trucks are included, as are Non-Powered Pallet Trucks.
Counterbalanced Forklift Trucks
The forklift is the most common type of lift truck. This unit is the counterbalanced, sit-down kind. A weight located in the back of this equipment is responsible for counterbalancing the weight of the load. 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. Also, these units are capable of lifting a range between 4,000 to 6,500 pounds. Counterbalanced forklifts are offered with backup alarms and other safety features such as lights.
About 60% percent are electric units and approximately 40% percent are internal combustion models. Every type of forklift has a specific place and is suited to complete many different tasks. Depending on whether or not you would be utilizing the equipment outside or inside and what type of surfaces and terrain you will be operating on, as well as what particular types of cargo you would be utilizing determines the kind of lift truck that you will choose.