Forklifts
Forklifts are utilized to transport, raise and engage palletized loads in material handling, construction, warehousing and manufacturing applications. With manual-drive forklifts, the load or travel movement is either walk-behind or manually powered. Motorized drive forklifts have a motorized drive. In numerous kinds 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. 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 such as a hand rail or a turntable.
Other factors which are essential to consider when selecting a forklift are the stroke and lift capacity. Lift capacity is defined as the supportable, maximum load or force. Stroke is defined as the difference between fully raised and fully lowered 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: natural gas, liquid propane or LP, CNG or compressed natural gas, electricity, gasoline, propane or diesel.
There are two basic types of tires utilized for fork trucks and forklifts: pneumatic and solid. The cushion or solid tires require less maintenance than pneumatic tires and do not puncture easily. Pneumatic or air-inflated tires provide load cushioning and great drive traction. At the end of the day, cushion or solid tires offer less shock absorption.
Normally used on rough terrain are Class VII forklifts. These kinds of machines are usually used in agriculture, construction and in logging environments. Last of all, Class VIII forklifts have all personnel and burden carriers. Dual Fuel lift trucks frequently fit in this class.