Forklifts
Forklifts are utilized to transfer, raise and engage palletized loads in construction, material handling, warehousing and manufacturing applications. With manual-drive forklifts, the travel or load movement is either walk-behind or powered manually. 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. Some types of forklifts are counterbalanced in order to prevent the vehicle from turning over. Other models come equipped with safety rails, or a rotating element such as a hand rail or a turntable.
Other specifications that are important to think about when choosing a forklift include the lift capacity and stroke. Lift capacity is defined as the supportable, maximum force or load. Stroke is defined as the difference between completely raised and fully lowered lift positions.
The type of tire and the type of fuel are also other important specifications that must be considered. The fuel choices available are: natural gas, liquid propane or LP, compressed natural gas or CNG, electricity, gasoline, propane or diesel.
There are two basic kinds of tires for fork trucks and forklifts: pneumatic and solid. The cushion or solid tires require less maintenance compared to pneumatic tires and do not easily puncture. Pneumatic or air-inflated tires offer load cushioning and great drive traction. At the end of the day, cushion or solid tires provide less shock absorption.
Class VII forklifts are normally designed to be used on rough terrain. These machines are usually utilized in agriculture, construction and in logging environments. Last of all, Class VIII forklifts have all personnel and burden carriers. Dual Fuel lift trucks typically fit in this class.