Forklifts
In material handling, construction, manufacturing and warehousing operation, forklifts are normally used to transport and lift 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 models, the forklift has a protected cab or seat for the driver. Fork trucks include features like backup alarms, and cabs and are also motorized. Some models of forklifts are counterbalanced in order to prevent the vehicle from turning over. Other types of forklifts are available with safety rails, or a rotating element such as a hand rail or a turntable.
The stroke and lift capacity are other factors that 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 fully raised and fully lowered lift positions.
Several of the other vital specifications for the forklift include tire type and fuel type. The available fuel choices include: natural gas, liquid propane or LP, compressed natural gas or CNG, electricity, diesel, gasoline or propane.
There are two basic types of tires used for forklifts and fork trucks: solid and pneumatic. The solid or cushion tires require less maintenance than pneumatic tires and do not easily puncture. Pneumatic or air-inflated tires provide great drive traction and load-cushioning. At the end of the day, cushion or solid tires provide less shock absorption.
Class VII forklifts are normally designed for use on rough terrain. These machines are normally used in construction, agriculture and in logging environments. Last of all, Class VIII forklifts have all personnel and burden carriers. Dual Fuel forklifts frequently fit in this class.