Lift trucks have undergone a major evolution since their launch to the market in the 1920s. These machines are now a lot smarter and stronger. They have changed the material handling world and have become exceptional workhorses in our warehouse and distribution centres all over the globe.
At first, during their introduction around 100 years ago, lift trucks were very simple pieces of motorized equipment made to move pallet loads from one place to another. These days, really advanced units flood the marketplace. These models are available in a wide range of weight capacities, different designs and many lifting heights. Additionally, these equipments are available with a variety of ergonomic designs to improve driver comfort and numerous new safety features. Keeping the driver as comfy as possible could greatly add to the overall production attained during a shift.
One of the only remaining universal features which are on the huge array of forklifts available today are the tires which move the machine and the forks which are utilized to lift loads. The basic design and application of different types of forklifts used in manufacturing centers, distribution centers and warehousing applications is included in this specific article.
Counterbalanced Forklifts
Counterbalanced Forklifts consist of: Electric lift truck units and IC or Internal Combustion units.
Narrow-Aisle Lift Trucks
Narrow Aisle Lift Trucks consist of: 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 type of lift truck. This unit is the sit-down, counterbalanced type. A weight found in the equipment's rear is responsible for counterbalancing the weight of the load. The counterbalance is what prevents the forklift the truck from tipping over.
Typically, a counterbalanced lift truck has a lifting height of roughly 16 feet, 189 inches is the most popular. Furthermore, these units are capable of lifting a range between 4,000 to 6,500 pounds. Counterbalanced lift trucks come outfitted with backup alarms and different other kinds of safety features like for instance lights.
About 60% percent are electric models and approximately 40% percent are IC units. Every kind of lift truck has a specific place and is ideal to complete many various jobs. Depending on whether or not you would be utilizing the equipment outdoors or indoors and what kind of terrain and surfaces you will be operating on, as well as what specific kinds of loads you would be utilizing determines the type of lift truck which you will pick.