Forklifts
Forklifts are utilized to transfer, lift and engage palletized loads in material handling, construction, manufacturing and warehousing 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 numerous models, the forklift has a protected seat or cab for the operator. Fork trucks have features like backup alarms, and cabs and are also motorized. Several types of forklifts are counterbalanced so as to prevent the vehicle from tipping over. Other models are offered with safety rails, or a rotating element like for example a hand rail or a turntable.
Other factors that are important to consider when selecting a forklift include the lift capacity and stroke. Lift capacity is defined as the supportable, maximum load or force. Stroke is defined as the difference between fully raised and fully lowered lift positions.
Some of the other key specifications for the forklift include tire type and fuel type. The fuel choices available include: natural gas, liquid propane or LP, electricity, compressed natural gas or CNG, diesel, gasoline or propane.
For fork trucks and forklifts, there are two basic kinds of tires that could be utilized. They are: solid and pneumatic. The solid or cushion tires require less maintenance than pneumatic tires and do not puncture easily. Air-inflated or pneumatic tires offer great drive traction and load-cushioning. At the end of the day, solid or cushion tires offer less shock absorption.
Usually utilized on rough terrain are Class VII forklifts. These kinds of machines are usually used in agriculture, construction and in logging environments. Lastly, Class VIII forklifts have all personnel and burden carriers. Dual Fuel forklifts often fit in this class.