Forklifts are machines that forklift operators utilize to transport materials from one location to another in warehouse and manufacturing environments. The equipment lifts pallets, also known as skids, which are loaded with objects. The lift truck is designed with forks that insert into the rungs of the pallet. Sometimes, forklifts are also known as as Pallet Trucks, Lift Trucks, High/Low, Skid Trucks, Side Loaders and Stacker Trucks.
The very first forklifts were advertised in the early 1900s by companies such as Clark and Yale & Towne Manufacturing. These days most supplies stores on pallets and are delivered to warehouses. Forklifts are usually found in warehouses and manufacturing factories, where they are depended upon for the smooth operation of business.
The following are amongst the different kinds of skid lifts or pallets: Walkie low lift truck - with electrical motor; Rider low lift truck; Hand pallet truck; IC counterbalanced truck; Telescopic handler; Towing tractor; Sideloader; Slip Sheet machine; Walkie stacker; Rider stacker; Walkie Order Picking truck; Reach truck; Electric counterbalanced truck; Rider Order Picking truck - also referred to as "Order Picker"; Articulated Very Narrow Aisle Counterbalanced trucks - also known as "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
There are counterbalanced forklift trucks available for specialized uses, like for example the articulated counterbalance truck. This hybrid is recommended for very narrow aisles because it is capable of onloading and offloading within very tight spaces.
Capable if lifting as high as 12 meters are the Guided Vary Narrow Aisle Trucks. The "non top-tied" type can lift up to 30 meters high. These types of trucks are available in man down and man-riser models. This equipment must only be used on floors that are even and flat.