Forklifts
Forklifts are utilized to transfer, raise and engage palletized loads in material handling, construction, warehousing and manufacturing applications. With manual-drive forklifts, the travel or load movement is either walk-behind or powered manually. Motorized drive forklifts have a motorized drive. In numerous models, the forklift has a protected cab or seat for the driver. Fork trucks have features such as backup alarms, and cabs and are also motorized. Some models of forklifts are counterbalanced so as to prevent the vehicle from turning over. Other models are available with safety rails, or a rotating element like a turntable or a hand rail.
Other factors that are vital to consider when choosing a forklift include the stroke and lift capacity. Lift capacity is defined as the maximum, supportable force or load. Stroke is defined as the difference between completely raised and fully lowered lift positions.
The type of tire and the type of fuel are also other key specifications that should be considered. The fuel choices available are: natural gas, liquid propane or LP, electricity, CNG or compressed natural gas, propane, diesel or gasoline.
There are two basic kinds of tires used for forklifts and fork trucks: solid and pneumatic. The cushion or solid tires need less maintenance compared to 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.
Class VII forklifts are usually designed for use on rough terrain. These types of equipment are often utilized in construction, agriculture 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.