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