Since their introduction in the material handling business in the 1920s, forklifts have gone through a huge change. Today, these high tech machines are much stronger and smarter. They have changed the material handling arena and have become exceptional workhorses in our distribution and warehouse facilities all around the globe.
Initially, during their launch approximately 100 years ago, forklifts were very simple pieces of motorized equipment made to move pallet loads from one place to another. Today, extremely sophisticated models flood the marketplace. These units are available in a wide range of weight capacities, numerous lifting heights and different designs. Moreover, these kinds of machinery are offered with a range of ergonomic designs to improve driver comfort and many new safety features. Keeping the driver as comfy as possible can really add to the overall production attained during a shift.
One of the only remaining universal features that are on the huge variety of lift trucks available nowadays are the tires that move the machinery and the forks that are utilized to lift loads. The basic application and design of different kinds of forklifts used in distribution facilities, warehousing applications and manufacturing centers is covered in this article.
Counterbalanced Lift Trucks
Counterbalanced Lift Trucks consist of: Electric forklift models as well as IC or Internal Combustion units.
Narrow-Aisle Forklifts
Narrow Aisle Forklifts comprise: Order-Pickers, Turret Trucks and Reach 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 most common type of lift truck is the counterbalanced sit-down version of the forklift. 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 approximately 16 feet, 189 inches is the most popular. Furthermore, these units could lift a range between 4,000 to 6,500 pounds. Counterbalanced forklifts are available with backup alarms and other safety features like for instance lights.
The forklift market is currently divided into approximately 60 percent electric units, with 40% IC units. Every type of forklift has a particular place and is ideal to accomplish many different jobs. Depending on whether or not you would be utilizing the machine outside or inside and what particular types of cargo you will be using as well as what type of terrain and surfaces you would be operating on determines the type of forklift that you would pick.