Lift trucks have gone through a major evolution since their introduction to the market in the 1920s. These machines are now a lot smarter and stronger. These types of machinery have revolutionized the material handling world and have become exceptional workhorses within our distribution and warehouse facilities all around the world.
The initial lift trucks about 100 years ago, started as very simple pieces of motorized machinery that were just capable of transporting pallet loads from one place to another. Nowadays, very sophisticated units flood the marketplace. These units are available in different weight capacities, different designs and numerous lifting heights. In addition, these kinds of vehicles are available with a variety of ergonomic designs to improve operator comfort and numerous new safety features. Keeping the driver as comfortable as possible could really increase the overall efficiency accomplished during a shift.
One of the only remaining universal features that are on the huge variety of lift trucks available today are the tires that move the machine and the forks which are utilized to pick up loads. The basic application and design of various types of lift trucks utilized in distribution centers, warehousing applications and manufacturing centers is included in this article.
Counterbalanced Lift Trucks
Counterbalanced Lift Trucks consist of: Internal Combustion or IC models, as well as Electric Trucks.
Narrow-Aisle Forklifts
Narrow Aisle Forklifts consist of: Order-Pickers, Turret Trucks and Reach Trucks.
Low Lift Pallet Trucks or Pallet Jacks
Pallets Jacks include Electric-Powered Pallet Trucks as well as Non-Powered Pallet Trucks.
Counterbalanced Forklift Trucks
The lift truck is the most common type of forklift. This unit is the sit-down, counterbalanced version. A weight situated in the rear of this machinery 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 usually have lifting heights of about 16 feet, or 189 inches. In addition, these units are capable of lifting a range between 4,000 to 6,500 pounds. Counterbalanced lift trucks come equipped with backup alarms and different other types of safety features like for example lights.
The forklift market is presently divided into approximately 60 percent electric models, with 40% IC units. Each kind of forklift has a specific place and is ideal to accomplish many various tasks. Depending on whether or not you would be utilizing the machinery outdoors or indoors and what type of surfaces and terrain you will be operating on, as well as what particular types of loads you would be using determines the type of lift truck that you will choose.