Forklifts
Forklifts are utilized to transport, lift and engage palletized loads in construction, material handling, manufacturing and warehousing applications. With manual-drive forklifts, the load or travel movement is either walk-behind or manually powered. Motorized drive forklifts have a motorized drive. In many models, the forklift has a protected cab or seat for the operator. Fork trucks include features such as cabs, and backup alarms and are additionally motorized. Some types of forklifts are counterbalanced in order to prevent the vehicle from turning over. Other kinds of forklifts come equipped with safety rails, or a rotating element like a hand rail or a turntable.
The lift capacity and stroke are other specification that you should take into consideration when choosing a type of forklift. Lift capacity is defined as the supportable, maximum force or load. Stroke is defined as the difference between fully lowered and completely raised lift positions.
The type of fuel and the type of tire are also other important specifications that should be considered. The fuel choices available are: natural gas, LP or liquid propane, CNG or compressed natural gas, electricity, gasoline, propane or diesel.
For fork trucks and forklifts, there are two basic types of tires that can be utilized. They are: solid and pneumatic. The solid or cushion tires require less maintenance compared to pneumatic tires and do not easily puncture. Air-inflated or pneumatic tires provide load cushioning and great drive traction. At the end of the day, solid or cushion tires offer less shock absorption.
Normally utilized on rough terrain are Class VII forklifts. These machines are normally used in agriculture, construction and in logging environments. Lastly, Class VIII forklifts include all personnel and burden carriers. Dual Fuel lift trucks typically fit in this class.