Forklifts are utilized in manufacturing, warehousing, material handling, construction and mining applications to raise, engage and transfer palletized loads. Forklifts have 3 basic kinds: a motorized drive, fork truck and manual drive. The travel or load movement is powered manually or by walking at the back of the machinery with manual-drive lift trucks.
Motorized-drive model lift trucks are complete with a motorized drive. In lots of instances, a protected cab or seat is part of the design in order to keep the operator safe and comfortable. Fork trucks are a different kind that are motorized and comprise features such as cabs and backup alarms. In order to prevent the machine from tipping over, several lift trucks are counterbalanced. Other models consist of safety rails, a rotating element such as a turntable or other types of hand rails.
Important specifications to take into consideration when selecting forklifts comprise lift capacity and stroke. Stroke is defined as the difference between the fully-raised and the fully-lowered lift positions. Lift capacity is the supportable, maximum load or forcforce or load. Other specifications for forklifts consist of their type of fuel and tire.
Different fuel options for forklifts include: liquid propane or LPG, compressed natural gas or CNG, diesel fuel, propane, natural gas and gasoline. There are 2 major types of tires used for operating fork trucks and forklifts: pneumatic and solid. Solid or cushion tires require less maintenance than pneumatic tires and do not puncture. The cushion or solid tires do offer less shock absorption overall. Pneumatic or air-inflated tires on the other hand provide excellent load-cushioning and drive traction.
For forklifts, there are 7 classes. Class 1 forklifts include electric-motor rider trucks, seated or stand-up 3 wheeled units. Typically, rider units may have either pneumatic or cushion wheels and are counterbalanced. Class II forklifts are electric motor units which are utilized for stock applications or order picking in narrow aisle environments. These models offer extra reach functions or swing mast.
Forklift Class III lift trucks include walk-behind or standing-rider operated electric-motor trucks. High lift models and automated pallet lift trucks are often counterbalanced units. Class IV lift trucks have seated controls and cabs. These types of forklifts are rider fork trucks with IC or internal combustion engines. In addition, this class utilizes solid or cushion tires.
Class V lift trucks are rider fork trucks. They have seated controls and cabs, pneumatic tires and IC or internal combustion engines. Similar to Class IV lift trucks, they are typically counterbalanced. Class VI forklifts are tow tractor lifts which are designed for a sit-down rider. This particular class is supplied with electric or IC or internal combustion engines.
Lastly, Class VII forklifts are the perfect choice for use on rough terrain areas. They are a common feature in agricultural, construction and logging applications. Class VII forklifts include all personnel carriers and burden carriers.