Forklifts
In construction, material handling, warehousing and manufacturing applications, forklifts are usually used to transport and raise palletized loads. With manual-drive forklifts, the load or travel movement is either walk-behind or manually powered. Motorized drive forklifts have a motorized drive. In various types of forklifts, the forklift has a protected seat or cab for the operator. Fork trucks include features like for example backup alarms, and cabs and are also motorized. Some types of forklifts are counterbalanced so as to prevent the vehicle from tipping over. Other models come outfitted with safety rails, or a rotating element like a hand rail or a turntable.
The lift capacity and stroke are other specification which you must take into account when selecting a kind of forklift. Lift capacity is defined as the maximum, supportable force or load. Stroke is defined as the difference between completely lowered and fully raised lift positions.
Several of the other important specifications for the forklift are fuel type and tire type. The fuel choices available include: natural gas, liquid propane or LP, electricity, CNG or compressed natural gas, gasoline, propane or diesel.
There are two basic types of tires used for forklifts and fork trucks: pneumatic and solid. The solid or cushion tires need less maintenance than pneumatic tires and do not puncture as easy. Air-inflated or pneumatic 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 kinds of equipment 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 often fit in this class.