Forklifts are equipment which forklift operators use to transport materials from one location to another in manufacturing and warehouse environments. The machine lifts pallets, also called skids, that are loaded with items. The lift truck is designed with forks which insert into the rungs of the pallet. Forklifts are also sometimes known as as Lift Trucks, Pallet Trucks, High/Low, Skid Trucks, Stacker-Trucks and Side Loaders.
The first forklifts were sold during the early 1900s by companies such as Clark and Yale & Towne Manufacturing. Nowadays nearly all supplies are delivered to warehouses and stores on pallets. Forklifts are normally found within warehouses and manufacturing plants, where they are used for the smooth operation of business.
The following are some of the different types of skid lifts or pallets: Walkie low lift truck - with electrical motor; Rider low lift truck; Hand pallet truck; IC counterbalanced truck; Telescopic handler; Towing tractor; Sideloader; Walkie stacker; Rider stacker; Slip Sheet machine; Walkie Order Picking truck; Reach truck; Electric counterbalanced truck; Rider Order Picking truck - also called "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 that is utilized for specialized applications. This particular hybrid is suggested for very narrow aisles as it is capable of onloading and offloading within really tight spaces.
Capable if lifting as high as 12 meters are the Guided Vary Narrow Aisle Trucks. The "non top-tied" type could lift up to 30 meters high. These trucks are available in man down and man-riser models. This machinery must only be used on floors that are flat and even.