Forklifts
Forklifts are used to transfer, lift 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 many models, the forklift has a protected cab or seat for the operator. Fork trucks include features like backup alarms, and cabs and are additionally motorized. Several kinds of forklifts are counterbalanced so as to prevent the vehicle from tipping over. Other models are available with safety rails, or a rotating element such as a turntable or a hand rail.
Other specifications that are essential to consider when choosing a forklift include the stroke and lift capacity. Lift capacity is defined as the maximum, supportable load or force. 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 vital specifications that must be considered. The available fuel choices are: natural gas, LP or liquid propane, electricity, CNG or compressed natural gas, gasoline, propane or diesel.
For forklifts and fork trucks, there are two basic kinds of tires which could be utilized. They are: pneumatic and solid. The cushion or solid tires require less maintenance than pneumatic tires and do not easily puncture. Air-inflated or pneumatic tires offer great drive traction and load-cushioning. At the end of the day, cushion or solid tires offer less shock absorption.
Generally used on rough terrain are Class VII forklifts. These types of machinery are often utilized in agriculture, construction and in logging environments. Lastly, Class VIII forklifts include all personnel and burden carriers. Dual Fuel forklifts frequently fit in this class.