Forklifts are equipment which forklift operators utilize to transport supplies from one place to another in manufacturing and warehouse environments. The equipment carries pallets, also known as skids, that are loaded with objects. The lift truck is made with forks which insert into the rungs of the pallet. Forklifts are also sometimes known as as Lift Trucks, Pallet Trucks, High/Low, Skid Trucks, Side Loaders and Stacker Trucks.
Companies such as Yale & Towne manufacturing and Clark advertised the first forklifts during the early 1900s. These days the majority of goods stores on pallets and are shipped to warehouses. Forklifts are commonly found within warehouses and manufacturing plants, where they are utilized for the smooth operation of business.
The following are amongst the various kinds of pallet or skid lifts: Hand pallet truck; Walkie low lift truck - with electrical motor; Rider low lift truck; IC counterbalanced truck; Telescopic handler; Towing tractor; Sideloader; Walkie stacker; Rider stacker; Slip Sheet machine; Reach truck; Electric counterbalanced truck; Walkie Order Picking 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 type of counterbalanced forklift truck that is utilized for specialized applications. This hybrid is recommended for really narrow aisles because it can onload and offload 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" type. These kinds of trucks are available in man-riser and man-down models. This machinery must only be used on flat and even floors.