Forklifts
In material handling, construction, manufacturing and warehousing operation, forklifts are usually used to move and raise palletized loads. With manual-drive forklifts, the load or travel 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 driver. Fork trucks have features such as cabs, and backup alarms and are also motorized. Several models of forklifts are counterbalanced in order to prevent the vehicle from turning over. Other models come outfitted with safety rails, or a rotating element like for instance a turntable or a hand rail.
The lift capacity and stroke are other specification that you must take into account when choosing a type of forklift. Lift capacity is defined as the maximum, supportable load or force. Stroke is defined as the difference between completely raised and fully lowered lift positions.
Several of the other vital specifications for the forklift are tire type and fuel type. The available fuel choices include: LP or liquid propane, natural gas, compressed natural gas or CNG, electricity, propane, diesel or gasoline.
There are two basic kinds of tires used for forklifts and fork trucks: solid and pneumatic. The cushion or solid tires need less maintenance compared to pneumatic tires and do not puncture easily. Pneumatic or air-inflated tires provide load cushioning and great drive traction. At the end of the day, cushion or solid tires offer less shock absorption.
Usually used on rough terrain are Class VII forklifts. These machines are often used in agriculture, construction and in logging environments. Lastly, Class VIII forklifts include all burden and personnel carriers. Dual Fuel lift trucks often fit in this class.