Forklifts
Forklifts are utilized to transfer, lift and engage palletized loads in construction, material handling, warehousing and manufacturing applications. With manual-drive forklifts, the load or travel movement is either walk-behind or powered manually. Motorized drive forklifts have a motorized drive. In various models, the forklift has a protected seat or cab for the driver. Fork trucks include features like backup alarms, and cabs and are also motorized. Various types of forklifts are counterbalanced so as to prevent the vehicle from tipping over. Other types of forklifts are offered with safety rails, or a rotating element such as a turntable or a hand rail.
Other factors that are essential to think about when choosing a forklift are the stroke and lift capacity. Lift capacity is defined as the maximum, supportable load or force. Stroke is defined as the difference between fully raised and fully lowered lift positions.
Several of the other important specifications for the forklift are fuel type and tire type. The fuel choices available include: liquid propane or LP, natural gas, CNG or compressed natural gas, electricity, gasoline, propane or diesel.
There are two basic types of tires for forklifts and fork trucks: solid and pneumatic. The solid or cushion tires require less maintenance compared to pneumatic tires and do not puncture as easy. Air-inflated or pneumatic tires offer load cushioning and great drive traction. At the end of the day, cushion or solid tires offer less shock absorption.
Usually used on rough terrain are Class VII forklifts. These machinery are usually used in construction, agriculture and in logging environments. Lastly, Class VIII forklifts have all burden and personnel carriers. Dual Fuel forklifts frequently fit in this class.