Forklifts are equipment which forklift operators utilize to transport materials from one place to another in warehouse and manufacturing environments. The machine lifts pallets, also referred to as skids, which are loaded with objects. The lift truck is designed with forks that insert into the rungs of the pallet. Forklifts are also sometimes known as as Pallet Trucks, Lift Trucks, Skid Trucks, High/Low, Side Loaders and Stacker Trucks.
The very first forklifts were sold in the early 1900s by companies such as Clark and Yale & Towne Manufacturing. These days most goods stores on pallets and are delivered to warehouses. Forklifts are commonly found within manufacturing factories and warehouses, where they are depended upon for the smooth operation of business.
Amongst the various types of skid lifts or pallets are as follows: Walkie low lift truck - with electrical motor; Rider low lift truck; Hand pallet truck; Telescopic handler; Towing tractor; IC counterbalanced truck; Sideloader; Rider stacker; Slip Sheet machine; Walkie stacker; Reach truck; Electric counterbalanced truck; Walkie Order Picking truck; Rider Order Picking truck - also called "Order Picker"; Articulated Very Narrow Aisle Counterbalanced trucks - also called "Flexi Truck"; Truck Mounted Forklift / Sod Loader; Guided Very Narrow Aisle truck; 'Man Down' - used for narrow aisles; and 'Man Riser' Combination Order Picker/ Stacker truck
The articulated counterbalance truck is a type of counterbalanced forklift truck which is utilized for specialized applications. This particular hybrid is suggested for very narrow aisles since it is capable of onloading and offloading in 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" kind. These kinds of trucks are available in man-riser and man-down models. This equipment should only be used on floors that are even and flat.