Forklifts
In construction, material handling, manufacturing and warehousing operation, forklifts are normally utilized to move and lift palletized loads. With manual-drive forklifts, the travel or load movement is either powered manually or walk-behind. Motorized drive forklifts have a motorized drive. In many models, the forklift has a protected seat or cab for the operator. Fork trucks include features such as cabs, and backup alarms and are also motorized. Several kinds of forklifts are counterbalanced in order to prevent the vehicle from tipping over. Other models come outfitted with safety rails, or a rotating element such as a hand rail or a turntable.
The stroke and lift capacity are other factors which you must take into account when selecting a type of forklift. Lift capacity is defined as the supportable, maximum force or load. Stroke is defined as the difference between completely lowered and completely raised lift positions.
Several of the other important specifications for the forklift include fuel type and tire type. The available fuel choices include: liquid propane or LP, natural gas, electricity, compressed natural gas or CNG, diesel, gasoline or propane.
For forklifts and fork trucks, there are two basic kinds of tires that can be used. They are: pneumatic and solid. The solid or cushion tires need less maintenance compared to 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, solid or cushion tires offer less shock absorption.
Usually utilized on rough terrain are Class VII forklifts. These machines are normally used in agriculture, construction and in logging environments. Last of all, Class VIII forklifts include all burden and personnel carriers. Dual Fuel lift trucks frequently fit in this class.