Forklifts have gone through a major evolution ever since their introduction to the market in the 1920s. These machines are now much stronger and smarter. These kinds of machines have revolutionized the material handling arena and have become irreplaceable workhorses in our warehouse and distribution centres all over the world.
Initially, during their introduction roughly 100 years ago, forklifts were really simple pieces of motorized machines made to move pallet loads from one place to another. Today, very sophisticated models are available in the marketplace. These units are offered in a huge range of weight capacities, various designs and numerous lifting heights. Furthermore, these machinery are offered with various ergonomic designs to enhance driver comfort and many new safety features. Keeping the operator as comfortable as possible can really increase the overall productivity accomplished during a shift.
One of the only remaining universal features which are on the wide variety of forklifts available today are the tires that move the machine and the forks which are utilized to pick up loads. The basic design and application of various types of forklifts used in warehousing operations, manufacturing facilities and distribution centers is covered in this specific article.
Counterbalanced Lift Trucks
Counterbalanced Forklifts include: Electric lift truck units as well as IC or Internal Combustion models.
Narrow-Aisle Forklifts
Narrow Aisle Lift Trucks include: Reach Trucks, Order Pickers and Turret Trucks.
Low Lift Pallet Jacks or Pallet Trucks
In this 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 version of the lift truck. A weight situated in the machine's back is responsible for counterbalancing the weight of the load. The counterbalance is what prevents the forklift the truck from tipping over.
Typically, a counterbalanced lift truck has a lifting height of around 16 feet, 189 inches is the most popular. In addition, these units could lift a range between 4,000 to 6,500 pounds. Counterbalanced forklifts are offered with backup alarms and other safety features like for example lights.
The forklift market is currently divided into approximately 60% electric units, with 40% Internal Combustion units. Every type of forklift has a specific place and is ideal to complete many various tasks. Depending on whether or not you would be using the machine outdoors or indoors and what particular kinds of cargo you would be utilizing as well as what kind of terrain and surfaces you would be operating on determines the kind of lift truck which you will choose.