Forklifts
Forklifts are utilized to transport, lift and engage palletized loads in material handling, construction, warehousing and manufacturing operation. With manual-drive forklifts, the load or travel movement is either walk-behind or powered manually. Motorized drive forklifts have a motorized drive. In many models, the forklift has a protected cab or seat for the operator. Fork trucks have features like for example cabs, and backup alarms and are also motorized. Various types of forklifts are counterbalanced so as to prevent the vehicle from turning over. Other models come equipped with safety rails, or a rotating element like for example a turntable or a hand rail.
Other specifications that are vital to consider when selecting 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 fully raised and fully lowered lift positions.
Several of the other important specifications for the forklift include tire type and fuel type. The available fuel choices are: LP or liquid propane, natural gas, compressed natural gas or CNG, electricity, diesel, gasoline or propane.
There are two basic kinds of tires utilized for forklifts and fork trucks: pneumatic and solid. The cushion or solid tires require less maintenance than pneumatic tires and do not puncture easily. Air-inflated or pneumatic tires provide load cushioning and great drive traction. At the end of the day, cushion or solid tires offer less shock absorption.
Class VII forklifts are normally designed to be used on rough terrain. These machinery are normally utilized in agriculture, construction and in logging environments. Lastly, Class VIII forklifts include all personnel and burden carriers. Dual Fuel forklifts frequently fit in this class.