Forklifts have gone through a major evolution since their introduction to the market during the 1920s. These machines are now a lot smarter and stronger. These types of machinery have revolutionized the material handling arena and have become irreplaceable workhorses in our distribution and warehouse facilities all over the globe.
The first forklifts around 100 years ago, started 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 models are offered in different weight capacities, various designs and numerous lifting heights. In addition, these machinery are available with a variety of ergonomic designs to improve driver comfort and a lot of new safety features. Keeping the operator as comfortable as possible can greatly increase the overall production accomplished during a shift.
Among the only remaining universal features which are on the huge variety of forklifts available nowadays are the tires which move the machine and the forks that are used to lift loads. The basic application and design of different types of lift trucks used in distribution facilities, warehousing operations and manufacturing facilities is included in this particular article.
Counterbalanced Forklifts
Counterbalanced Lift Trucks include: Electric forklift models as well as Internal Combustion or IC models.
Narrow-Aisle Forklifts
Narrow Aisle Lift Trucks consist of: Order-Pickers, Turret Trucks and Reach Trucks.
Low Lift Pallet Trucks or Pallet Jacks
In this particular class, 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 sit-down, counterbalanced version. A weight located in the back of this machinery is responsible for counterbalancing the weight of the load. The counterbalance is what prevents the forklift the truck from tipping over.
Usually, a counterbalanced forklift has a lifting height of approximately 16 feet, 189 inches is the most popular. As well, these models could lift a range between 4,000 to 6,500 pounds. Counterbalanced forklifts come equipped with backup alarms and other safety features like lights.
About 60% percent are electric models and around 40% percent are IC units. Each and every kind of forklift has a particular place and is best to accomplish a lot of different jobs. Depending on whether or not you will be utilizing the equipment outside or inside and what kind of terrain and surfaces you will be operating on, as well as what particular types of loads you will be utilizing determines the type of forklift that you would choose.