Forklifts have undergone a major change ever since their launch to the market during the 1920s. These machines are now much smarter and stronger. These kinds of equipment have changed the material handling world and have become exceptional workhorses in our warehouse and distribution centres all around the world.
The initial forklifts around 100 years ago, started as very simple pieces of motorized machines which were just capable of transporting pallet loads from one place to another. Nowadays, very sophisticated units flood the marketplace. These models are available in a huge variety of weight capacities, many lifting heights and various designs. Moreover, these machinery are offered with a variety of ergonomic designs to enhance driver comfort and a lot of new safety features. Keeping the operator as comfy as possible can 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 tires and forks. Tires enable the machinery to move around and the forks can lift and carry loads. The basic application and design of different kinds of forklifts utilized in warehousing operations, manufacturing facilities and distribution facilities is covered in this specific article.
Counterbalanced Lift Trucks
Counterbalanced Lift Trucks comprise: Electric lift truck units as well as Internal Combustion or IC models.
Narrow-Aisle Lift Trucks
Narrow Aisle Lift Trucks include: Turret Trucks, Reach Trucks and Order-Pickers.
Low Lift Pallet Jacks or Pallet Trucks
Pallets Jacks include Electric-Powered Pallet Trucks as well as Non-Powered Pallet Trucks.
Counterbalanced Forklift Trucks
The forklift is the most common kind of lift truck. This unit is the sit-down, counterbalanced type. A weight situated in the back of this machine is responsible for counterbalancing the weight of the load. The counterbalance is what prevents the forklift the truck from tipping over.
Counterbalanced lift trucks will usually have lifting heights of around 16 feet, or 189 inches. Moreover, these models can lift a range between 4,000 to 6,500 pounds. Counterbalanced lift trucks are available with backup alarms and other safety features such as lights.
The lift truck market is now divided into roughly 60% electric units, with 40% IC units. Every kind of forklift has a particular place and is suited to complete a lot of different tasks. Depending on whether or not you will be utilizing the equipment outdoors or inside and what type of surfaces and terrain you would be operating on, as well as what particular types of loads you would be utilizing determines the kind of lift truck that you would choose.