Lift trucks have gone through a major change since their introduction to the market during the 1920s. These machines are now much stronger and smarter. They have changed the material handling arena and have become irreplaceable workhorses within our distribution and warehouse centres all over the globe.
Initially, during their introduction roughly 100 years ago, lift trucks were really simple pieces of motorized equipment designed to move pallet loads from one place to another. Today, very sophisticated models flood the marketplace. These units are available in a wide variety of weight capacities, various designs and numerous lifting heights. In addition, these kinds of machinery are available with a range of ergonomic designs to enhance operator comfort and many new safety features. Keeping the operator as comfy as possible can greatly add to the overall production accomplished during a shift.
A key feature placed on the majority 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 various kinds of forklifts utilized in warehousing operations, manufacturing centers and distribution facilities is covered in this specific article.
Counterbalanced Forklifts
Counterbalanced Forklifts comprise: Electric forklift units as well as Internal Combustion or IC units.
Narrow-Aisle Forklifts
Narrow Aisle Forklifts consist of: Reach Trucks, Order Pickers and Turret Trucks.
Low Lift Pallet Jacks or Pallet Trucks
Pallets Jacks include Electric-Powered Pallet Trucks and Non-Powered Pallet Trucks.
Counterbalanced Forklift Trucks
The most common kind of forklift is the sit-down counterbalanced type of the lift truck. A weight situated in the back of this machine 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 approximately 16 feet, 189 inches is the most popular. Furthermore, 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.
Approximately 60% percent are electric units and approximately 40% percent are IC models. Every type of lift truck has a specific place and is suited to complete a lot of different jobs. Depending on whether or not you would be using the machinery outside or indoors and what particular kinds of cargo you would be utilizing as well as what kind of terrain and surfaces you would be operating on determines the type of forklift that you will select.