Forklifts have undergone a major change since their introduction to the market in the 1920s. These machines are now a lot stronger and smarter. They have changed the material handling arena and have become exceptional workhorses within our distribution and warehouse facilities all over the world.
The initial forklifts approximately 100 years ago, started as really simple pieces of motorized equipment that were only capable of moving pallet loads from one place to another. These days, really sophisticated units flood the marketplace. These models are available in different weight capacities, many lifting heights and different designs. Additionally, these vehicles are offered with various ergonomic designs to improve 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 that are on the huge array of forklifts available these days are the tires that move the machine and the forks which are used to pick up loads. The basic application and design of different kinds of lift trucks utilized in distribution facilities, warehousing operations and manufacturing centers is included in this particular article.
Counterbalanced Lift Trucks
Counterbalanced Forklifts comprise: Electric forklift units and IC or Internal Combustion units.
Narrow-Aisle Lift Trucks
Narrow Aisle Lift Trucks consist of: Order-Pickers, Turret Trucks and Reach Trucks.
Low Lift Pallet Trucks or Pallet Jacks
Pallets Jacks comprise Electric-Powered Pallet Trucks and Non-Powered Pallet Trucks.
Counterbalanced Forklift Trucks
The most common type of lift truck is the sit-down counterbalanced type of the lift truck. A weight situated in the rear of this equipment is responsible for counterbalancing the weight of the load. The counterbalance is what prevents the forklift the truck from tipping over.
Counterbalanced lift trucks will typically have lifting heights of about 16 feet, or 189 inches. What's more, these units could lift a range between 4,000 to 6,500 pounds. Counterbalanced forklifts are available with backup alarms and different other types of safety features such as lights.
The forklift market is currently divided into around 60 percent electric units, with 40% Internal Combustion units. Each and every kind of forklift has a specific place and is ideal to complete lots of different jobs. Depending on whether or not you would be using the equipment outside or indoors and what type of surfaces and terrain you will be operating on, as well as what specific kinds of cargo you will be utilizing determines the kind of forklift which you will pick.