Forklifts
In material handling, construction, manufacturing and warehousing applications, forklifts are usually utilized to move and raise 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 various models, the forklift has a protected cab or seat for the operator. Fork trucks include features like cabs, and backup alarms and are additionally motorized. Some models of forklifts are counterbalanced so as to prevent the vehicle from tipping over. Other kinds of forklifts are available with safety rails, or a rotating element such as a hand rail or a turntable.
The lift capacity and stroke are other factors that you should take into account when choosing 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.
The type of tire and the type of fuel are also other key specifications that should be considered. The available fuel choices include: natural gas, liquid propane or LP, CNG or compressed natural gas, electricity, diesel, gasoline or propane.
There are two basic kinds of tires used for forklifts and fork trucks: solid and pneumatic. The cushion or solid tires need less maintenance than pneumatic tires and do not easily puncture. Air-inflated or pneumatic tires offer great drive traction and load-cushioning. At the end of the day, solid or cushion tires offer less shock absorption.
Class VII forklifts are normally designed to be used on rough terrain. These types of equipment are often used in agriculture, construction and in logging environments. Lastly, Class VIII forklifts have all burden and personnel carriers. Dual Fuel lift trucks typically fit in this class.