Forklifts
Forklifts are utilized to transfer, raise and engage palletized loads in material handling, construction, manufacturing and warehousing operation. With manual-drive forklifts, the load or travel movement is either manually powered or walk-behind. Motorized drive forklifts have a motorized drive. In numerous kinds of forklifts, the forklift has a protected cab or seat for the driver. Fork trucks have features such as cabs, and backup alarms and are also motorized. Several kinds of forklifts are counterbalanced so as to prevent the vehicle from tipping over. Other kinds of forklifts come equipped with safety rails, or a rotating element like a turntable or a hand rail.
The stroke and lift capacity are other factors that you must take into consideration when choosing a kind of forklift. Lift capacity is defined as the supportable, maximum load or force. Stroke is defined as the difference between fully lowered and fully raised lift positions.
The type of fuel and the type of tire are also other important specifications that must be considered. The fuel choices available include: LP or liquid propane, natural gas, CNG or compressed natural gas, electricity, propane, diesel or gasoline.
There are two basic kinds of tires for fork trucks and forklifts: 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, solid or cushion tires offer less shock absorption.
Normally used on rough terrain are Class VII forklifts. These machines are normally utilized in agriculture, construction and in logging environments. Lastly, Class VIII forklifts include all burden and personnel carriers. Dual Fuel lift trucks typically fit in this class.