Forklifts have undergone a major evolution since their introduction to the market in the 1920s. These machines are now much stronger and smarter. These kinds of machines have revolutionized the material handling world and have become irreplaceable workhorses in our warehouse and distribution centres all over the globe.
Initially, during their introduction approximately 100 years ago, forklifts were really simple pieces of motorized machinery made to move pallet loads from one place to another. Nowadays, really sophisticated units are available in the marketplace. These models are offered in various weight capacities, various designs and many lifting heights. Moreover, these machinery come with a range of ergonomic designs to improve operator comfort and lots of new safety features. Keeping the driver as comfortable as possible could really add to the overall production accomplished during a shift.
Among the only remaining universal features which are on the huge array of forklifts available today are the tires which move the equipment and the forks which are utilized to lift loads. The basic application and design of different kinds of forklifts utilized in manufacturing centers, distribution facilities and warehousing applications is included in this article.
Counterbalanced Forklifts
Counterbalanced Forklifts include: Internal Combustion or IC models, as well as Electric Trucks.
Narrow-Aisle Forklifts
Narrow Aisle Lift Trucks include: Reach Trucks, Order Pickers and Turret Trucks.
Low Lift Pallet Trucks or Pallet Jacks
Pallets Jacks consist of Electric-Powered Pallet Trucks and Non-Powered Pallet Trucks.
Counterbalanced Forklift Trucks
The forklift is the most common kind of lift truck. This model is the sit-down, counterbalanced version. A weight located 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 forklifts would normally have lifting heights of roughly 16 feet, or 189 inches. Additionally, these models are capable of lifting a range between 4,000 to 6,500 pounds. Counterbalanced lift trucks come equipped with backup alarms and different other kinds of safety features such as lights.
The forklift market is presently divided into roughly 60 percent electric models, with 40 percent Internal Combustion units. Each type of lift truck has a specific place and is suited to complete many various tasks. Depending on whether or not you will be using the machinery outdoors or inside and what kind of surfaces and terrain you will be operating on, as well as what particular types of cargo you would be utilizing determines the type of forklift which you would pick.