In the start of the 20th Century, lift trucks were initially introduced. They have come a long way since the very first models. Their initial purpose was to move materials in an effective way. This is still the main goal. There are an array of different kinds of lift trucks used within the material handling industry.
Motorized Pallet Truck Rider Type
Ride-on lift trucks are motorized types of pallet jacks. These machinery are often used to move pallet trucks over extreme distances, sometimes between different departments or storage areas. There is another version referred to as the walkie version. This particular kind lacks the operator platform and the higher speeds. Low cost and hi maneuverability make these vehicles a great choice for operations where frequent load movement is necessary. Some of the common choices include double pallet length forks that enable you to move 2 pallets in one trip.
Electric Counterbalanced Lift Truck
The Electric Counterbalanced Lift Truck is capable of racking and stacking loads, used to transport load trailers, as well as pallet loads throughout a facility. This model has a huge variety of attachments available and has to have a wide aisle for turning.
Internal Combustion Counterbalanced Lift Truck
Electric trucks have functionality like an internal combustion counterbalanced lift truck. Propane models are able to be used outdoors or indoors as long as there is ample ventilation.
Order Selector
There are man-up types of vehicles that are specifically made for hand loading less than pallet load amounts out of and into selective rack. The VNA or 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 reach trucks are effective and able to make racked pallet storage a more streamlined process.