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