Lift trucks have undergone a major evolution ever since their introduction to the market during the 1920s. These machines are now a lot smarter and stronger. They have revolutionized the material handling arena and have become exceptional workhorses within our warehouse and distribution centres all around the globe.
Initially, during their introduction around 100 years ago, forklifts were very simple pieces of motorized machinery made to move pallet loads from one place to another. Today, very advanced models flood the marketplace. These units are available in various weight capacities, various designs and many lifting heights. Furthermore, these machines are available with a range of ergonomic designs to enhance driver comfort and many new safety features. Keeping the driver as comfortable as possible can really increase the overall efficiency attained during a shift.
One of the only remaining universal features that are on the huge variety of lift trucks available nowadays are the tires which move the equipment and the forks that are used to raise loads. The basic application and design of various kinds of forklifts utilized in distribution centers, warehousing applications and manufacturing centers is covered in this particular article.
Counterbalanced Forklifts
Counterbalanced Forklifts include: IC or Internal Combustion units, as well as Electric Trucks.
Narrow-Aisle Lift Trucks
Narrow Aisle Lift Trucks include: Reach Trucks, Order Pickers and Turret 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 most common type of forklift is the counterbalanced sit-down type of the forklift. A weight found 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 roughly 16 feet, 189 inches is the most popular. Additionally, these models can lift a range between 4,000 to 6,500 pounds. Counterbalanced forklifts come equipped with backup alarms and different other kinds of safety features like lights.
The forklift market is currently divided into around 60 percent electric models, with 40% Internal Combustion units. Every kind of lift truck has a specific place and is ideal to accomplish a lot of various jobs. Depending on whether or not you would be utilizing the equipment outdoors or inside and what type of terrain and surfaces you would be operating on, as well as what specific types of cargo you will be utilizing determines the kind of lift truck which you would select.