Lift trucks also called forklifts are a type of trucks used for moving, lifting and handling purpose. The first modern lift truck was introduced in 1960. As time passes by this machine become so common in handling and lifting different materials under construction areas and in warehouses industries. Until today, many different designs of lift trucks have been launched. All of them different with each other. In addition, here are the basic, different types of lift trucks you can find available.
Standard forklift – Standard lift truck is generally used for lift heights under 20 feet. This truck is also known as a sit-down counterbalanced forklift and is the type of truck usually people think of when they hear forklift or lift truck. It’s available with any of the tire types and fuel types as well as many different weight capacities, attachment options and lift heights. The standard lift truck is a truck which needs at least 3.5 meters aisles to turn in. The width of aisle is determined by the turn radius, the size of the forklift and the size of the load. Available attachments and options include fork shift, side shifts, slip sheet attachments and hydraulic clamps, to name few.
Reach trucks – Double-deep reach, Straddle reach, Stand-up reach. These trucks are a narrow aisle trucks designed for racked pallet storage. In consist of telescoping forks outriggers and outriggers in front that use a hydraulic mechanism that allows to pick up the load and take back it over the outriggers. This decreases the load length and overall truck, allowing to turn in a narrower aisle. Double-deep trucks use an extended mechanism which allows to store pallets deep in specially created rack. Reach lift truck is designed for racking areas and don’t work for quality moving loads or loading trucks over distances.
Motorized pallet truck – Rider, Walkie-rider, Walkie…These forklifts are the motorized model of the pallet jack. They are available in “Rider” or “Walkie” versions. Walkie is designed for the operator to walks along with the truck, while the Rider has small platform for the operator to stands on. The truck riders work perfect for often moving of loads over extended distances. They are highly maneuverable and fast. Since there isn’t safety cage for the operator, there are some concerns with these trucks. If you are searching for not expensive way for moving loads from point A to B, a rider is the answer. If you are transporting heavy loads on short distances and searching for employee-friendly solution, check out a walkie.
Order selector – This lift truck is specifically designed for manual handling. Man-up design has established forks attached to the truck platform which elevates the operator and the load to manual unloading and loading from racking. Order selectors are narrow aisles lift trucks which operate in aisles of less than 2 meters. These machines are also very useful in physical inventories and cycle counting.
Swing mast, Turret trucks and other hand pallet truck – Turret trucks and swing mast are very narrow aisle trucks designed to work in aisles less than 2 meters. A swing mast resembles a standard lift truck with the exception that there is an added activity to swing the mast to angle of 90 degree. Turret truck is man-up vehicle very much alike to an order selector. This design makes it much easier to handle loads in very versions. They are less expensive and are usually recommended to be used in conjunction within the aisles to reduce property damage and increase safety. Hand pallet truck can be a little pricey and usually the guidance systems are not included in the price. These complex items of equipment have more mechanical issues than standard forklift and you can expect higher service cost and more downtime. These cost can be offset in huge warehouses by the saved space by going 2 meters aisles.
The Australian Expert 