Forklifts
In material handling, construction, warehousing and manufacturing applications, forklifts are usually utilized to move and lift palletized loads. With manual-drive forklifts, the load or travel movement is either powered manually or walk-behind. Motorized drive forklifts have a motorized drive. In many models, the forklift has a protected cab or seat for the operator. Fork trucks have features like cabs, and backup alarms and are additionally motorized. Several types of forklifts are counterbalanced in order to prevent the vehicle from turning over. Other models are available with safety rails, or a rotating element like a hand rail or a turntable.
The stroke and lift capacity are other specification which you should take into consideration when choosing a type of forklift. Lift capacity is defined as the maximum, supportable load or force. Stroke is defined as the difference between fully lowered and completely raised lift positions.
The type of fuel and the type of tire are also other important specifications that must be considered. The available fuel choices are: LP or liquid propane, natural gas, electricity, CNG or compressed natural gas, gasoline, propane or diesel.
There are two basic kinds of tires for fork trucks and forklifts: solid and pneumatic. The solid or cushion tires need 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.
Normally utilized on rough terrain are Class VII forklifts. These equipment are often utilized in construction, agriculture and in logging environments. Lastly, Class VIII forklifts have all burden and personnel carriers. Dual Fuel lift trucks frequently fit in this class.