Lift trucks have gone through a major change since their introduction to the market in the 1920s. These machines are now much smarter and stronger. They have changed the material handling arena and have become exceptional workhorses in our warehouse and distribution centres all over the world.
Initially, during their launch approximately 100 years ago, forklifts were very simple pieces of motorized machinery designed to transport pallet loads from one place to another. Today, extremely sophisticated models flood the marketplace. These models are offered in various weight capacities, various designs and many lifting heights. Moreover, these machinery are available with a variety of ergonomic designs to improve operator comfort and numerous new safety features. Keeping the operator as comfy as possible can greatly increase the overall productivity accomplished during a shift.
Amongst the only remaining universal features which are on the wide variety of lift trucks available nowadays are the tires which move the machine and the forks which are utilized to raise loads. The basic application and design of various types of lift trucks used in distribution centers, warehousing operations and manufacturing centers is included in this specific article.
Counterbalanced Lift Trucks
Counterbalanced Forklifts include: Electric forklift models and IC or Internal Combustion models.
Narrow-Aisle Lift Trucks
Narrow Aisle Lift Trucks consist of: Reach Trucks, Order Pickers and Turret Trucks.
Low Lift Pallet Jacks or Pallet Trucks
In this category, Electric-Powered Pallet Trucks are included, as are Non-Powered Pallet Trucks.
Counterbalanced Forklift Trucks
The forklift is the most common type of lift truck. This model is the sit-down, counterbalanced kind. A weight located in the machine's rear is responsible for counterbalancing the load's weight. The counterbalance is what prevents the forklift the truck from tipping over.
Typically, a counterbalanced forklift has a lifting height of roughly 16 feet, 189 inches is the most popular. What's more, these models are capable of lifting a range between 4,000 to 6,500 pounds. Counterbalanced lift trucks are available with backup alarms and other safety features such as lights.
About 60% percent are electric units and roughly 40% percent are internal combustion models. Every type of lift truck has a specific place and is best to accomplish many various jobs. Depending on whether or not you will be utilizing the equipment outdoors or indoors and what specific kinds of loads you will be using as well as what type of surfaces and terrain you would be operating on determines the kind of forklift that you will select.