Lift trucks have gone through a major evolution since their launch to the market during the 1920s. These machines are now much stronger and smarter. They have revolutionized the material handling arena and have become irreplaceable workhorses within our warehouse and distribution facilities all around the world.
The initial lift trucks around 100 years ago, started as really simple pieces of motorized machinery which were only capable of transporting pallet loads from one place to another. Today, very advanced units are offered in the marketplace. These units are available in a huge range of weight capacities, different designs and numerous lifting heights. Moreover, these machines come with different ergonomic designs to improve operator comfort and numerous new safety features. Keeping the operator as comfy as possible can really add to the overall productivity attained during a shift.
One of the only remaining universal features that are on the wide range of forklifts available nowadays are the tires which move the machinery and the forks which are utilized to lift loads. The basic application and design of various types of lift trucks utilized in manufacturing centers, distribution centers and warehousing applications is included in this article.
Counterbalanced Forklifts
Counterbalanced Forklifts include: Internal Combustion or IC models, and Electric Trucks.
Narrow-Aisle Forklifts
Narrow Aisle Forklifts 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 kind of the lift truck. A weight situated in the equipment's back 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. As well, these units could lift a range between 4,000 to 6,500 pounds. Counterbalanced lift trucks are available with backup alarms and various other types of safety features like lights.
The lift truck market is currently divided into about 60 percent electric models, with 40 percent Internal Combustion units. Each kind of lift truck has a particular place and is best to accomplish many different tasks. Depending on whether or not you would be utilizing the machine outside or indoors and what particular types of loads you would be utilizing as well as what type of surfaces and terrain you will be operating on determines the type of forklift that you would choose.