Forklifts
Forklifts are utilized to transport, raise 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 various models, the forklift has a protected seat or cab for the driver. Fork trucks have features like for example cabs, and backup alarms and are additionally motorized. Several 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 a turntable or a hand rail.
Other specifications which are important to consider when selecting 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 raised and fully lowered lift positions.
The type of fuel and the type of tire are also other important specifications which must be considered. The available fuel choices are: natural gas, liquid propane or LP, CNG or compressed natural gas, electricity, gasoline, propane or diesel.
There are two basic kinds of tires utilized for forklifts and fork trucks: solid and pneumatic. The solid or cushion tires require less maintenance compared to pneumatic tires and do not puncture easily. Pneumatic or air-inflated tires offer great drive traction and load-cushioning. At the end of the day, solid or cushion tires provide less shock absorption.
Normally utilized on rough terrain are Class VII forklifts. These machines are usually utilized in construction, agriculture and in logging environments. Lastly, Class VIII forklifts include all personnel and burden carriers. Dual Fuel forklifts frequently fit in this class.