Forklifts
In material handling, construction, warehousing and manufacturing applications, forklifts are normally utilized to transport and raise palletized loads. 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 seat or cab for the driver. Fork trucks include features such as backup alarms, and cabs and are also motorized. Some kinds of forklifts are counterbalanced in order to prevent the vehicle from turning over. Other models are offered with safety rails, or a rotating element such as a hand rail or a turntable.
Other factors that are vital to consider 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 completely lowered and completely raised lift positions.
The type of tire and the type of fuel are also other important specifications that should be considered. The fuel choices available are: liquid propane or LP, natural gas, CNG or compressed natural gas, electricity, gasoline, propane or diesel.
There are two basic types of tires utilized for forklifts and fork trucks: pneumatic and solid. The solid or cushion tires need less maintenance compared to pneumatic tires and do not easily puncture. Air-inflated or pneumatic tires offer load cushioning and great drive traction. At the end of the day, solid or cushion tires offer less shock absorption.
Class VII forklifts are normally designed to be utilized on rough terrain. These machinery are usually used in agriculture, construction and in logging environments. Last of all, Class VIII forklifts include all personnel and burden carriers. Dual Fuel lift trucks typically fit in this class.