Forklifts are machines that forklift operators utilize to shuttle materials from one place to another in manufacturing and warehouse environments. The machine lifts pallets, also referred to as skids, which are loaded with objects. The lift truck is designed with forks that insert into the rungs of the pallet. At times, forklifts are also known as as Pallet Trucks, Lift Trucks, High/Low, Skid Trucks, Stacker-Trucks and Side Loaders.
Companies like Yale & Towne manufacturing and Clark advertised the first forklifts during the early part of the 1900s. Today most goods stores on pallets and are delivered to warehouses. Forklifts are commonly found in warehouses and manufacturing factories, where they are utilized for the smooth operation of business.
The following are some of the various types of skid lifts or pallets: Walkie low lift truck - with electrical motor; Rider low lift truck; Hand pallet truck; IC counterbalanced truck; Telescopic handler; Towing tractor; Sideloader; Walkie stacker; Rider stacker; Slip Sheet machine; Walkie Order Picking truck; Reach truck; Electric counterbalanced truck; Rider Order Picking truck - also called "Order Picker"; Articulated Very Narrow Aisle Counterbalanced trucks - also called "Flexi Truck"; Truck Mounted Forklift / Sod Loader; Guided Very Narrow Aisle truck ; 'Man Down' - used for narrow aisles; and 'Man Riser' Combination Order Picker/ Stacker truck
The articulated counterbalance truck is a type of counterbalanced forklift truck which is used for specialized applications. This hybrid is suggested for really narrow aisles as it is capable of offloading and onloading in really tight spaces.
Capable if lifting as high as 12 meters are the Guided Vary Narrow Aisle Trucks. The "non top-tied" kind could lift up to 30 meters high. These trucks are available in man-riser and man-down models. This machine must be utilized only on even and flat floors.