Lift trucks have gone through a major change ever since their launch to the market in the 1920s. These machines are now a lot stronger and smarter. They have revolutionized the material handling world and have become exceptional workhorses in our distribution and warehouse facilities all over the world.
The first forklifts around 100 years ago, began as very simple pieces of motorized machines which were just capable of moving pallet loads from one place to another. These days, very advanced units flood the marketplace. These units are offered in various weight capacities, many lifting heights and different designs. In addition, these machinery are available with a variety of ergonomic designs to enhance driver comfort and numerous new safety features. Keeping the operator as comfy as possible could greatly add to the overall productivity accomplished during a shift.
A key feature placed on most of the available lift trucks on the market are forks and tires. Tires enable the equipment to move around and the forks can carry and lift loads. The basic design and application of various types of lift trucks utilized in manufacturing facilities, distribution centers and warehousing applications is covered in this article.
Counterbalanced Lift Trucks
Counterbalanced Forklifts consist of: Electric forklift models and IC or Internal Combustion units.
Narrow-Aisle Lift Trucks
Narrow Aisle Forklifts include: Turret Trucks, Reach Trucks and Order-Pickers.
Low Lift Pallet Jacks or Pallet Trucks
In this category, Electric-Powered Pallet Trucks are included, as are Non-Powered Pallet Trucks.
Counterbalanced Forklift Trucks
The most common type of lift truck is the counterbalanced sit-down kind of the forklift. A weight situated in the equipment'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. Furthermore, these models are capable of lifting a range between 4,000 to 6,500 pounds. Counterbalanced forklifts 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 units. Every type of lift truck has a particular place and is best to accomplish lots of different tasks. Depending on whether or not you will be using the equipment outdoors or indoors and what particular types of cargo you will be utilizing as well as what kind of terrain and surfaces you would be operating on determines the kind of forklift which you will choose.