Forklifts
Forklifts are utilized to transport, raise and engage palletized loads in construction, material handling, manufacturing and warehousing operation. With manual-drive forklifts, the travel or load movement is either walk-behind or powered manually. Motorized drive forklifts have a motorized drive. In numerous kinds of forklifts, the forklift has a protected cab or seat for the operator. Fork trucks have features such as cabs, and backup alarms and are also motorized. Various kinds of forklifts are counterbalanced so as to prevent the vehicle from tipping over. Other models are offered with safety rails, or a rotating element such as a turntable or a hand rail.
The stroke and lift capacity are other specification that you should take into account when selecting 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: pneumatic and solid. The solid or cushion tires need less maintenance compared to pneumatic tires and do not easily puncture. Air-inflated or pneumatic tires provide load cushioning and great drive traction. At the end of the day, cushion or solid tires provide less shock absorption.
Class VII forklifts are generally designed to be utilized on rough terrain. These kinds of machinery are normally used in construction, agriculture and in logging environments. Lastly, Class VIII forklifts have all burden and personnel carriers. Dual Fuel lift trucks often fit in this class.