Forklifts are equipment which forklift operators utilize to shuttle materials from one location to another in warehouse and manufacturing environments. The machine lifts pallets, also called skids, which are loaded with things. The lift truck is made with forks which insert into the rungs of the pallet. At times, forklifts are also known as as Pallet Trucks, Lift Trucks, High/Low, Skid Trucks, Side Loaders and Stacker Trucks.
The very first forklifts were advertised during the early 1900s by companies like Clark and Yale & Towne Manufacturing. Today the majority of goods are delivered to warehouses and stores on pallets. Forklifts are usually found within warehouses and manufacturing plants, where they are depended upon for the smooth operation of business.
The following are amongst the various types of pallet or skid lifts: Hand pallet truck; Walkie low lift truck - with electrical motor; Rider low lift truck; Towing tractor; IC counterbalanced truck; Sideloader; Telescopic handler; Slip Sheet machine; Walkie stacker; Rider stacker; Electric counterbalanced truck; Walkie Order Picking truck; Reach truck; Rider Order Picking truck - also called "Order Picker"; Articulated Very Narrow Aisle Counterbalanced trucks - also known as "Flexi Truck"; Truck Mounted Forklift / Sod Loader; Guided Very Narrow Aisle truck; 'Man Down' - for narrow aisles; and 'Man Riser' Combination Order Picker/ Stacker truck
The articulated counterbalance truck is a kind of counterbalanced forklift truck that is utilized for specialized applications. This particular hybrid is recommended for very narrow aisles because it is capable of onloading and offloading within very tight spaces.
The Guided Very Narrow Aisle Trucks are capable of lifting as high as 12 meters, and even up to 30 meters if it is a "non top-tied" version. These trucks are available in man-riser and man-down models. This machinery should just be utilized on even and flat floors.