Forklifts have gone through a major evolution since their introduction to the market in the 1920s. These machines are now much stronger and smarter. These kinds of equipment have changed the material handling arena and have become exceptional workhorses within our warehouse and distribution centres all over the globe.
Initially, during their introduction roughly 100 years ago, forklifts were very simple pieces of motorized equipment made to transport pallet loads from one place to another. These days, really sophisticated units are offered in the marketplace. These units are offered in a huge variety of weight capacities, numerous lifting heights and different designs. Furthermore, these vehicles are offered with a range of ergonomic designs to improve operator comfort and numerous new safety features. Keeping the driver as comfortable as possible could greatly increase the overall production attained during a shift.
Amongst the only remaining universal features that are on the wide array of forklifts available today are the tires which move the equipment and the forks that are used to pick up loads. The basic design and application of various kinds of forklifts utilized in distribution centers, warehousing operations and manufacturing centers is included in this article.
Counterbalanced Forklifts
Counterbalanced Forklifts include: Electric forklift models and IC or Internal Combustion models.
Narrow-Aisle Forklifts
Narrow Aisle Forklifts consist of: Reach Trucks, Order Pickers and Turret Trucks.
Low Lift Pallet Trucks or Pallet Jacks
Pallets Jacks comprise Electric-Powered Pallet Trucks as well as 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 located in the machine's rear 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 roughly 16 feet, 189 inches is the most popular. In addition, these units are capable of lifting a range between 4,000 to 6,500 pounds. Counterbalanced lift trucks come outfitted with backup alarms and various other kinds of safety features like for instance lights.
Approximately 60% percent are electric units and around 40% percent are internal combustion units. Each and every kind of forklift has a particular place and is suited to accomplish many various tasks. Depending on whether or not you will be utilizing the equipment outdoors or inside and what kind of terrain and surfaces you would be operating on, as well as what particular kinds of loads you would be using determines the type of forklift which you would select.