Forklift trucks have been around for numerous years. This kind of equipment was created in the 1920s and since its invention, has become among the most of the indispensable pieces of manufacturing and warehousing equipment within the world.
Sometimes called lift trucks, amongst their initial uses was carrying and transporting luggage at airports and train stations. Throughout the Second World War the use of these machinery exploded and the warehousing business expanded greatly. The conventional equipment was adapted to deal with the requirements of stacking inventory on higher shelves and they were designed to lift heavier loads and move faster.
Most commonly, forklift trucks are used for stacking inventory inside warehouses. In the majority of cases, objects are packed onto pallets which make it ideal for the tines to move in between the open spaces of the pallets. The forklift can then securely lift the goods without it falling into the ground or wobbling. When the pallets are in place, they could be transported easily to another place. Forklifts are also used much in the mining, agricultural, shipping and docking industry.
The forklift is also seen on constructions sites, as numerous models have been designed to pick up big heavy boxes and heavy pipes, concrete slabs, other equipment and ceramics. Since it is quite a compact unit, this equipment could move from one location to a different place at a fairly good speed.
Depending upon the specific unit and its intended use, the lift trucks dimensions can vary. There are narrow aisle units specially for warehouse use. These are quite a bit smaller in size and need the floor to be extremely flat. Usually, they are designed with rear wheel steering. There has been a dramatic increase in these equipment in the mining and manufacturing machine businesses. Since forklifts normally handle flammable materials, petrochemicals and pharmaceuticals, the equipment have become tougher and more durable.
The forklifts may have load capacities from 1 to as many as 5 tons. Some heavy duty models have been made to handle as many as 50 tons. These models are often used to load shipping equipment onto and off of ships. Forklifts and their required training to operate are specially regulated to ensure the safety of the individuals using this specific machinery. No body is able to legally use them without completing the correct documents and training.