Forklifts are machines that forklift operators use to shuttle supplies from one place to another in manufacturing and warehouse environments. The machine carries pallets, also called skids, which are loaded with objects. The lift truck is made with forks which insert into the pallet rungs. Every so often, forklifts are also called Pallet Trucks, Lift Trucks, Skid Trucks, High/Low, Stacker-Trucks and Side Loaders.
Companies like Yale & Towne manufacturing and Clark marketed the first forklifts in the early 1900s. These days most supplies stores on pallets and are delivered to warehouses. Forklifts are usually found in manufacturing plants and warehouses, where they are used for the smooth operation of business.
Amongst 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; Walkie Order Picking truck; Reach truck; Electric counterbalanced truck; Rider Order Picking truck - also called "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
There are counterbalanced forklift trucks available for specialized uses, such as the articulated counterbalance truck. This hybrid is recommended for very narrow aisles as it is capable of offloading and onloading 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" type. These kinds of trucks are available in man-riser and man-down models. This machinery must be utilized only on floors that are flat and even.