Lift trucks were initially introduced in the beginning of the twentieth Century. They have grown exponentially since the first models. Their original purpose was to transport supplies in an effective manner. This is still the key objective. There are a variety of different kinds of lift trucks used in the material handling industry.
Motorized Pallet Truck Rider Type
The rider type of lift truck is a motorized version of the pallet jack. This equipment is usually used to transport pallet trucks over extreme distances, including movement between departments or storage areas. There is one more version referred to as the walkie version. This particular model lacks the operator platform and the higher speeds. Hi maneuverability and low cost make these vehicles a better choice for operations where frequent load movement is required. Several of the common alternatives comprise double pallet length forks that allow you to move 2 pallets in a single trip.
Electric Counterbalanced Lift Truck
The Electric Counterbalanced Lift Truck is used to lift and move items and materials, and used to transport load trailers and pallet loads throughout a facility. This type has a wide array of available attachments and has to have a wide aisle for turning.
Internal Combustion Counterbalanced Lift Truck
Electric trucks have functionality similar to an IC counterbalanced lift truck. Propane models can be used both outdoors or indoors so long as there is ample ventilation.
Order Selector
There are man-up types of vehicles which are particularly designed for hand loading less than pallet load amounts into and out of selective rack. The VNA or also referred to as very narrow aisle vehicles works in aisles less than six feet wide. These Order Selectors are also called Order Pickers.
Reach Truck
Narrow aisle trucks that are 8 to 11 feet are made particularly for racked pallet storage. Double-deep versions load pallets 2-deep in special double-deep racking systems. These kinds of reach trucks are really effective and able to make racked pallet storage a more streamlined procedure.