Forklifts
Forklifts are used to transport, raise and engage palletized loads in construction, material handling, warehousing and manufacturing operation. With manual-drive forklifts, the travel or load movement is either powered manually or walk-behind. Motorized drive forklifts have a motorized drive. In many models, the forklift has a protected seat or cab for the operator. Fork trucks include features like for example cabs, and backup alarms and are also motorized. Various types 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 a hand rail or a turntable.
The lift capacity and stroke are other specification that you should take into consideration when choosing a kind 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 fuel and the type of tire are also other key specifications which must be considered. The fuel choices available include: LP or liquid propane, natural gas, electricity, compressed natural gas or CNG, gasoline, propane or diesel.
For fork trucks and forklifts, there are two basic types of tires which could be used. They are: pneumatic and solid. The solid or cushion tires need less maintenance than 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, solid or cushion tires provide less shock absorption.
Normally utilized on rough terrain are Class VII forklifts. These machinery are normally used in agriculture, construction and in logging environments. Lastly, Class VIII forklifts include all burden and personnel carriers. Dual Fuel forklifts typically fit in this class.