Ever since their introduction in the material handling business in the 1920s, forklifts have undergone a huge evolution. Today, these high tech machines are a lot smarter and stronger. They have changed the material handling world and have become exceptional workhorses in our warehouse and distribution facilities all over the globe.
The initial forklifts roughly 100 years ago, started as very simple pieces of motorized equipment which were just capable of moving pallet loads from one place to another. Nowadays, very advanced units flood the marketplace. These models are available in various weight capacities, many lifting heights and various designs. Furthermore, these types of machines come with different ergonomic designs to enhance driver comfort and many new safety features. Keeping the operator as comfortable as possible can greatly add to the overall efficiency accomplished during a shift.
Amongst the only remaining universal features that are on the wide range of forklifts available nowadays are the tires that move the machine and the forks that are used to lift loads. The basic design and application of different types of lift trucks used in warehousing operations, manufacturing centers and distribution facilities is covered in this article.
Counterbalanced Lift Trucks
Counterbalanced Lift Trucks comprise: IC or Internal Combustion units, and Electric Trucks.
Narrow-Aisle Forklifts
Narrow Aisle Lift Trucks include: Turret Trucks, Reach Trucks and Order-Pickers.
Low Lift Pallet Trucks or Pallet Jacks
In this category, Electric-Powered Pallet Trucks are included, as are Non-Powered Pallet Trucks.
Counterbalanced Forklift Trucks
The most common kind of forklift is the counterbalanced sit-down type of the lift truck. A weight found in the equipment's rear is responsible for counterbalancing the load's weight. The counterbalance is what prevents the forklift the truck from tipping over.
Normally, a counterbalanced lift truck 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 are offered with backup alarms and other safety features like lights.
The lift truck market is currently divided into around 60 percent electric units, with 40 percent IC units. Each type of lift truck has a particular place and is ideal to complete a lot of different jobs. Depending on whether or not you would be utilizing the equipment outside or inside and what specific types of cargo you would be utilizing as well as what type of terrain and surfaces you will be operating on determines the kind of lift truck which you would choose.