Forklifts
Forklifts are used to transfer, lift 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 many models, the forklift has a protected cab or seat for the driver. Fork trucks have features like for instance backup alarms, and cabs and are additionally motorized. Various types of forklifts are counterbalanced so as to prevent the vehicle from turning over. Other models come outfitted with safety rails, or a rotating element like for example 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 supportable, maximum load or force. Stroke is defined as the difference between fully lowered and completely raised lift positions.
The type of tire and the type of fuel are also other vital specifications that must be considered. The fuel choices available are: LP or liquid propane, natural gas, CNG or compressed natural gas, electricity, propane, diesel or gasoline.
There are two basic types of tires used for fork trucks and forklifts: solid and pneumatic. The solid or cushion tires need less maintenance compared to pneumatic tires and do not easily puncture. Air-inflated or pneumatic tires provide load cushioning and great drive traction. At the end of the day, solid or cushion tires offer less shock absorption.
Class VII forklifts are generally designed to be utilized on rough terrain. These equipment are normally utilized in agriculture, construction and in logging environments. Lastly, Class VIII forklifts have all personnel and burden carriers. Dual Fuel lift trucks typically fit in this class.