Lift trucks have undergone a major evolution ever since their launch to the market in the 1920s. These machines are now a lot smarter and stronger. These types of machines have changed the material handling world and have become irreplaceable workhorses within our warehouse and distribution facilities all over the world.
Initially, during their introduction around 100 years ago, lift trucks were really simple pieces of motorized machines made to transport pallet loads from one place to another. Today, very advanced models 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 operator comfort and many new safety features. Keeping the driver as comfy as possible can really increase the overall productivity accomplished during a shift.
A key feature placed on nearly all of the available lift trucks on the market are tires and forks. Tires enable the machine to move around and the forks could lift and carry loads. The basic application and design of various kinds of lift trucks used in distribution facilities, warehousing operations and manufacturing centers is included in this specific article.
Counterbalanced Forklifts
Counterbalanced Forklifts include: Electric forklift models as well as IC or Internal Combustion units.
Narrow-Aisle Lift Trucks
Narrow Aisle Lift Trucks comprise: Turret Trucks, Reach Trucks and Order-Pickers.
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 type of lift truck. This model is the sit-down, counterbalanced type. A weight situated in the rear 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 around 16 feet, 189 inches is the most popular. In addition, these units are capable of lifting a range between 4,000 to 6,500 pounds. Counterbalanced lift trucks come outfitted with backup alarms and various other types of safety features like for instance lights.
The lift truck market is currently divided into roughly 60 percent electric models, with 40 percent IC units. Every type of forklift has a specific place and is best to complete a lot of different tasks. Depending on whether or not you will be utilizing the machine outside or indoors and what particular kinds of loads you will be using as well as what kind of terrain and surfaces you will be operating on determines the kind of forklift that you will select.