Ever since their introduction in the material handling business in the 1920s, forklifts have undergone a huge change. Today, these machines are a lot smarter and stronger. These types of machinery have changed the material handling world and have become exceptional workhorses in our warehouse and distribution facilities all over the world.
At first, during their introduction roughly 100 years ago, forklifts were really simple pieces of motorized machinery made to transport pallet loads from one place to another. Today, really advanced models flood the marketplace. These units are available in various weight capacities, various designs and numerous lifting heights. In addition, these machines come with a variety of ergonomic designs to enhance driver comfort and lots of new safety features. Keeping the operator as comfortable as possible could greatly add to the overall efficiency accomplished during a shift.
A key feature placed on most of the available lift trucks on the market are forks and tires. Tires enable the machinery to move around and the forks can lift and carry loads. The basic application and design of different kinds of forklifts utilized in distribution centers, warehousing operations and manufacturing facilities is covered in this article.
Counterbalanced Forklifts
Counterbalanced Lift Trucks comprise: Internal Combustion or IC units, and Electric Trucks.
Narrow-Aisle Lift Trucks
Narrow Aisle Lift Trucks include: Order-Pickers, Turret Trucks and Reach Trucks.
Low Lift Pallet Trucks or Pallet Jacks
In this class, Electric-Powered Pallet Trucks are included, as are Non-Powered Pallet Trucks.
Counterbalanced Forklift Trucks
The forklift is the most common type of forklift. This model is the counterbalanced, sit-down kind. A weight found in the machine's back is responsible for counterbalancing the load's weight. 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. Also, these models are capable of lifting a range between 4,000 to 6,500 pounds. Counterbalanced forklifts are offered with backup alarms and other safety features such as lights.
The lift truck market is presently divided into roughly 60 percent electric units, with 40 percent IC units. Each type of lift truck has a particular place and is suited to complete many various jobs. Depending on whether or not you will be utilizing the machine outside or indoors and what type of terrain and surfaces you will be operating on, as well as what particular kinds of loads you would be utilizing determines the kind of forklift which you will pick.