Lift trucks have undergone a major evolution ever since their introduction to the market during the 1920s. These machines are now much stronger and smarter. These types of equipment have revolutionized the material handling world and have become exceptional workhorses in our distribution and warehouse centres all around the world.
Initially, during their launch roughly 100 years ago, forklifts were really simple pieces of motorized machines designed to transport pallet loads from one place to another. These days, really advanced models flood the marketplace. These units are available in different weight capacities, different designs and numerous lifting heights. In addition, these kinds of machines come with various ergonomic designs to improve operator comfort and numerous new safety features. Keeping the driver as comfortable as possible could greatly increase the overall efficiency attained during a shift.
A key feature placed on the majority of the available lift trucks on the market are tires and forks. Tires allow the machinery to move around and the forks could lift and carry loads. The basic application and design of different kinds of forklifts utilized in manufacturing facilities, distribution facilities and warehousing operations is covered in this article.
Counterbalanced Lift Trucks
Counterbalanced Lift Trucks comprise: Internal Combustion or IC models, as well as Electric Trucks.
Narrow-Aisle Forklifts
Narrow Aisle Forklifts consist of: Reach Trucks, Order Pickers and Turret Trucks.
Low Lift Pallet Jacks or Pallet Trucks
In this particular class, Electric-Powered Pallet Trucks are included, as are Non-Powered Pallet Trucks.
Counterbalanced Forklift Trucks
The most common type of forklift is the sit-down counterbalanced kind of the lift truck. A weight located in the equipment's back 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. In addition, these units are capable of lifting a range between 4,000 to 6,500 pounds. Counterbalanced forklifts come outfitted with backup alarms and different other types of safety features like for example lights.
Around 60% percent are electric models and around 40% percent are internal combustion models. Every type of forklift has a particular place and is best to complete lots of different tasks. Depending on whether or not you will be utilizing the machinery outside or indoors and what specific kinds of cargo you would be utilizing as well as what type of surfaces and terrain you would be operating on determines the kind of forklift that you will select.