The lift truck has been around ever since the early 1920's. Since its inception, the forklift has become an indispensable machine for the materials handling industry.
The lift truck is also referred to as a lift truck and was first used to lift and move luggage at train stations and airports. Throughout the Second World War the use of these equipment exploded and the warehousing business expanded greatly. The conventional machine was adapted to deal with the requirement to stack inventory on higher shelves and they were made to move faster and carry heavier cargo.
The forklift is usually utilized for stacking inventory inside warehouses. Objects for the most part are packed onto pallets which are designed specially to allow the forks to move beneath the openings of the pallets. The lift truck can then securely carry the goods without it falling into the ground or wobbling. Once the pallets are in place, they could be transported easily to another location. Lift trucks are also utilized much in the mining, agricultural, shipping and docking industry.
The lift truck is also seen on constructions sites, since numerous units have been made to lift large heavy boxes and concrete slabs, heavy pipes, other equipment and ceramics. Since it is fairly a compact unit, this machinery is able to move from one location to another at a moderately good speed.
The dimensions of the lift truck vary depending on the model and its specific application. For warehousing applications, there are the narrow aisle truck models. These need the floor to be very flat and are quite a bit smaller in size. Normally, they are designed with rear wheel steering. There has been a dramatic increase in these equipment within the manufacturing and mining machinery industries. Because lift trucks usually deal with petrochemicals and pharmaceuticals and flammable supplies, the machines have become stronger and more durable.
Forklifts have a load capacity varying from 1 to 5 tons. There are heavy-duty units which can handle up to 50 tons. These units are often utilized to load shipping equipment off of and into ships. Forklifts and their required training to operate are specifically regulated to ensure the safety of the people using this specific equipment. No body can use them legally without completing the proper documents and training.