Forklifts
In construction, material handling, manufacturing and warehousing applications, forklifts are normally used to transport and raise palletized loads. With manual-drive forklifts, the load or travel movement is either walk-behind or powered manually. Motorized drive forklifts have a motorized drive. In numerous types of forklifts, the forklift has a protected cab or seat for the operator. Fork trucks include features like cabs, and backup alarms and are additionally motorized. Several kinds of forklifts are counterbalanced in order to prevent the vehicle from tipping over. Other models are available with safety rails, or a rotating element like a turntable or a hand rail.
Other specifications which are vital to consider when choosing a forklift include the lift capacity and stroke. 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 vital specifications which should be considered. The available fuel choices include: natural gas, LP or liquid propane, electricity, CNG or compressed natural gas, diesel, gasoline or propane.
For fork trucks and forklifts, there are two basic types of tires that can be used. They are: pneumatic and solid. The cushion or solid tires need less maintenance than pneumatic tires and do not easily puncture. Pneumatic or air-inflated tires offer great drive traction and load-cushioning. At the end of the day, cushion or solid tires offer less shock absorption.
Generally utilized on rough terrain are Class VII forklifts. These kinds of equipment are often utilized in agriculture, construction and in logging environments. Lastly, Class VIII forklifts have all personnel and burden carriers. Dual Fuel lift trucks frequently fit in this class.