Forklifts have gone through a major change ever since their launch to the market during the 1920s. These machines are now a lot smarter and stronger. These kinds of equipment have changed the material handling arena and have become irreplaceable workhorses in our warehouse and distribution centres all around the world.
Initially, during their introduction approximately 100 years ago, lift trucks were really simple pieces of motorized machinery designed to move pallet loads from one place to another. Nowadays, very sophisticated units are available in the marketplace. These units are available in various weight capacities, various designs and numerous lifting heights. Furthermore, these kinds of machines are offered with a variety of ergonomic designs to enhance driver comfort and numerous new safety features. Keeping the operator as comfy as possible can really add to the overall efficiency attained during a shift.
Amongst the only remaining universal features which are on the huge array of lift trucks available nowadays are the tires which move the equipment and the forks that are used to lift loads. The basic application and design of various kinds of lift trucks utilized in warehousing applications, manufacturing centers and distribution facilities is covered in this particular article.
Counterbalanced Lift Trucks
Counterbalanced Forklifts include: Electric forklift models as well as Internal Combustion or IC units.
Narrow-Aisle Forklifts
Narrow Aisle Forklifts comprise: Order-Pickers, Turret Trucks and Reach Trucks.
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 lift truck is the most common kind of lift truck. This unit is the counterbalanced, sit-down type. A weight found in the rear of this machinery is responsible for counterbalancing the load's weight. The counterbalance is what prevents the forklift the truck from tipping over.
Normally, a counterbalanced forklift has a lifting height of approximately 16 feet, 189 inches is the most popular. Moreover, these models could lift a range between 4,000 to 6,500 pounds. Counterbalanced forklifts come outfitted with backup alarms and other safety features like lights.
The forklift market is presently divided into about 60% electric units, with 40% Internal Combustion units. Every kind of forklift has a particular place and is best to accomplish lots of various tasks. Depending on whether or not you would be utilizing the equipment outside or indoors and what particular types of loads you will be utilizing as well as what type of terrain and surfaces you would be operating on determines the kind of forklift that you will choose.