Forklifts are machines that forklift operators utilize to shuttle materials from one location to another in manufacturing and warehouse environments. The machinery lifts pallets, also known as skids, which are loaded with items. The lift truck is made with forks that insert into the pallet rungs. Forklifts are also sometimes called Pallet Trucks, Lift Trucks, High/Low, Skid Trucks, Side Loaders and Stacker Trucks.
The very first forklifts were sold in the early part of the 1900s by companies such as Clark and Yale & Towne Manufacturing. These days nearly all goods are delivered to warehouses and stores on pallets. Forklifts are normally found inside manufacturing factories and warehouses, where they are depended upon to operate the business smoothly.
Amongst the various kinds of skid lifts or pallets are as follows: Hand pallet truck; Walkie low lift truck - with electrical motor; Rider low lift truck; Towing tractor; IC counterbalanced truck; Sideloader; Telescopic handler; Walkie stacker; Rider stacker; Slip Sheet machine; Walkie Order Picking truck; Reach truck; Electric counterbalanced truck; Rider Order Picking truck - also known as "Order Picker"; Articulated Very Narrow Aisle Counterbalanced trucks - also known as "Flexi Truck"; Truck Mounted Forklift / Sod Loader; Guided Very Narrow Aisle truck ; 'Man Down' - utilized for narrow aisles; and 'Man Riser' Combination Order Picker/ Stacker truck
The articulated counterbalance truck is a type of counterbalanced forklift truck which is used for specialized applications. This particular hybrid is recommended for very narrow aisles as it is capable of onloading and offloading within very tight spaces.
Capable if lifting as high as 12 meters are the Guided Vary Narrow Aisle Trucks. The "non top-tied" kind can lift up to 30 meters high. These trucks are available in man down and man-riser models. This machine must only be utilized on even and flat floors.