Forklifts
Forklifts are used to transfer, raise and engage palletized loads in construction, material handling, warehousing and manufacturing operation. With manual-drive forklifts, the load or travel movement is either walk-behind or manually powered. Motorized drive forklifts have a motorized drive. In numerous models, the forklift has a protected cab or seat for the operator. Fork trucks include features like cabs, and backup alarms and are also motorized. Several models of forklifts are counterbalanced in order 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 factors which you should take into consideration when selecting a type of forklift. Lift capacity is defined as the maximum, supportable force or load. Stroke is defined as the difference between completely raised and fully lowered lift positions.
The type of fuel and the type of tire are also other key specifications which should be considered. The fuel choices available are: natural gas, LP or liquid propane, compressed natural gas or CNG, electricity, propane, diesel or gasoline.
For fork trucks and forklifts, there are two basic kinds of tires that can be used. They are: pneumatic and solid. The solid or cushion tires require less maintenance than pneumatic tires and do not easily puncture. Air-inflated or pneumatic tires provide great drive traction and load-cushioning. At the end of the day, cushion or solid tires offer less shock absorption.
Class VII forklifts are normally designed to be utilized on rough terrain. These machinery are often used in agriculture, construction and in logging environments. Last of all, Class VIII forklifts include all burden and personnel carriers. Dual Fuel lift trucks frequently fit in this class.