Know the Different Types of Forklifts according to your Needs
A forklift is piece of machinery that lifts heavy and large objects. The use of Forklifts started way back in the 1920’s during the onset of the industrialization era. There are so many uses of forklifts depending on your business needs. They can be used in manufacturing, warehouses and construction sites. Though it is somewhat like a truck, there is a special training for individuals who want to be forklift operators. There are some mechanisms which are a bit complicated and expertise in operating this machinery is required.
There are many different types of forklifts and these types are according to their structures and uses. Let us take a look at these different types so you can get some ideas what you may be requiring for your business.
Standard Trucks
These are the types you can usually find in warehouses. They are large and sturdy looking and can lift weights between 3,000 to about 5,000 pounds. The blades of this type of forklift can lift a cargo up to a height of 20 feet.
Order Selector
This type of forklift can fit narrow aisles and is used for moving racked loads which are smaller than the pallet size. It can lift the load or the product as well as the truck operator to a height of about 40 feet.
Turret Truck
Turret truck, just like the Order Selector type is also used for narrow aisle warehouses of factories. It can also lift both the load as well as the operator. However, Turret Truck is very flexible because it can swing the forks 90 degrees on either side.
Motorized Pallet Truck
This truck is fun to look at because it is somewhat different from the others. Instead of the driver sitting inside and driving the vehicle, he walks beside it as he moves the loads along. That’s where this truck earned its nick name walkies, riders or walkie riders.
Reach Truck
This is an electrically powered forklift which is like the Order Selector and Turret that are used for narrow aisles. This is especially designed for pallet storage and can lift loads up to a height of 40 feet. It is not ideal however for quick loading and unloading of loads.
Swing Mast Trucks
Swing Mast is very much like Turret in all aspect except that Swing Mast can only swing 90 degrees only on one direction or one side.
These are the different types of forklifts you can choose from depending on your business needs and the set-up of the warehouse of factory you are going to use the forklift in. Before renting or even buying a forklift, make sure that it fits your business requirements.