Forklifts
In material handling, construction, manufacturing and warehousing applications, forklifts are commonly used to transport and raise palletized loads. With manual-drive forklifts, the travel or load movement is either walk-behind or powered manually. Motorized drive forklifts have a motorized drive. In various models, the forklift has a protected cab or seat for the driver. Fork trucks include features like for example backup alarms, and cabs and are additionally motorized. Several models of forklifts are counterbalanced in order 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 factors that are vital to consider when selecting a forklift include the lift capacity and stroke. Lift capacity is defined as the maximum, supportable force or load. Stroke is defined as the difference between fully lowered and fully raised lift positions.
Some of the other key specifications for the forklift include fuel type and tire type. The fuel choices available include: liquid propane or LP, natural gas, electricity, compressed natural gas or CNG, propane, diesel or gasoline.
There are two basic types of tires for forklifts and fork trucks: pneumatic and solid. The cushion or solid tires need less maintenance than 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, cushion or solid tires offer less shock absorption.
Class VII forklifts are usually designed to be utilized on rough terrain. These kinds of equipment are usually used in construction, agriculture and in logging environments. Last of all, Class VIII forklifts include all personnel and burden carriers. Dual Fuel forklifts typically fit in this class.