Forklifts
In construction, material handling, manufacturing and warehousing operation, forklifts are commonly used to transport and lift palletized loads. With manual-drive forklifts, the load or travel movement is either powered manually or walk-behind. Motorized drive forklifts have a motorized drive. In numerous kinds of forklifts, the forklift has a protected seat or cab for the driver. Fork trucks have features such as backup alarms, and cabs and are also motorized. Several types of forklifts are counterbalanced so as to prevent the vehicle from tipping over. Other kinds of forklifts are available with safety rails, or a rotating element like a hand rail or a turntable.
The stroke and lift capacity are other factors that you should take into account when selecting a type of forklift. Lift capacity is defined as the maximum, supportable force or load. Stroke is defined as the difference between fully lowered and fully raised lift positions.
Several of the other vital specifications for the forklift include tire type and fuel type. The available fuel choices include: LP or liquid propane, natural gas, electricity, CNG or compressed natural gas, diesel, gasoline or propane.
There are two basic kinds of tires utilized for forklifts and fork trucks: pneumatic and solid. The solid or cushion tires need less maintenance than pneumatic tires and do not easily puncture. Pneumatic or air-inflated tires offer 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 types of machines are usually utilized in construction, agriculture and in logging environments. Lastly, Class VIII forklifts have all burden and personnel carriers. Dual Fuel lift trucks typically fit in this class.