ABOUT FORKLIFT

A pallet is a flat structure used for transportation that supports merchandise in a steady manner while being lifted by a forklift, front loader, pallet jack or other jacking device. A pallet is the structural base of a unit load which permits handling and storage space. Merchandise or shipping containers are often transported with the help of a pallet. In the early 20th century pallets were introduced. Stringers fastened to a top deck were used as a skid. This was succeeded by pallets.

A pallet is usually made of wood but they are also made of paper, plastic and metal. Each of the materials has their advantages and disadvantages. The pallets made of softwood are the cheapest pallets and are frequently considered dispensable and unnecessary because they can be lifted from two sides and their simplicity. On the other hand, the costlier hardwood block pallets, metal pallets and plastic pallets can be lifted from each of the four sides.

The specific construction of wooden pallets depends on the use of the pallets such as storage, general, export, chemical and other uses. The paper pallet is frequently used for light loads. Although, an engineered paper pallet is gradually being used for loads that measure up to wood.

Generally classifying pallets are of three types:

Stringer pallet - These are also referred as two-way pallets as they can only be lifted from two directions by a pallet jack.
Block Pallet - They are much stronger. Parallel stingers as well as the perpendicular stringers are used in handling them. These are four-way pallets.
Perimeter base pallet - This has features which make it faster and more effective than the other pallets. Its features have been used effectively to design automated equipments.