Forklifts
In material handling, construction, manufacturing and warehousing operation, forklifts are usually utilized to transport and lift palletized loads. With manual-drive forklifts, the load or travel movement is either walk-behind or powered manually. Motorized drive forklifts have a motorized drive. In various types of forklifts, the forklift has a protected cab or seat for the operator. Fork trucks include features such as 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 come outfitted with safety rails, or a rotating element like for example a turntable or a hand rail.
Other factors that are essential to think about when choosing a forklift are the stroke and lift capacity. Lift capacity is defined as the maximum, supportable force or load. Stroke is defined as the difference between fully raised and fully lowered lift positions.
Several of the other important specifications for the forklift include tire type and fuel type. The available fuel choices are: LP or liquid propane, natural gas, 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 solid or cushion tires need less maintenance than pneumatic tires and do not puncture easily. Air-inflated or pneumatic tires offer load cushioning and great drive traction. At the end of the day, cushion or solid tires offer less shock absorption.
Class VII forklifts are generally designed to be used on rough terrain. These types of equipment are often utilized in construction, agriculture and in logging environments. Lastly, Class VIII forklifts include all burden and personnel carriers. Dual Fuel forklifts often fit in this class.