Forklifts
Forklifts are used to transport, raise and engage palletized loads in material handling, construction, manufacturing and warehousing applications. With manual-drive forklifts, the travel or load movement is either walk-behind or manually powered. Motorized drive forklifts have a motorized drive. In many kinds of forklifts, the forklift has a protected cab or seat for the driver. Fork trucks include features like cabs, and backup alarms and are also motorized. Some kinds of forklifts are counterbalanced in order to prevent the vehicle from tipping over. Other models are offered with safety rails, or a rotating element like for example a hand rail or a turntable.
Other specifications that are vital to consider when selecting a forklift are the stroke and lift capacity. Lift capacity is defined as the maximum, supportable force or load. Stroke is defined as the difference between fully lowered and completely raised lift positions.
The type of fuel and the type of tire are also other key specifications which should be considered. The fuel choices available include: liquid propane or LP, natural gas, electricity, compressed natural gas or CNG, diesel, gasoline or propane.
There are two basic kinds of tires utilized for fork trucks and forklifts: pneumatic and solid. The solid or cushion tires need less maintenance than pneumatic tires and do not puncture as easy. Pneumatic or air-inflated tires offer great drive traction and load-cushioning. At the end of the day, cushion or solid tires provide less shock absorption.
Class VII forklifts are generally designed for use on rough terrain. These types of machinery are often utilized in construction, agriculture and in logging environments. Lastly, Class VIII forklifts include all burden and personnel carriers. Dual Fuel lift trucks typically fit in this class.