Forklifts are utilized to lift, engage and transfer palletized loads in warehousing, manufacturing, material handling, construction and mining applications. There are 3 main types of forklifts: a manual drive, motorized drive and fork truck. The travel or load movement is powered manually or by walking at the rear of the equipment with manual-drive lift trucks.
Motorized-drive model forklifts are equipped with a motorized drive. In numerous instances, a seat or protected cab is part of the design to keep the operator safe and comfortable. Fork trucks are another kind that are motorized and comprise features like cabs and backup alarms. In order to prevent the machine from overturning, several lift trucks are counterbalanced. Other models consist of safety rails, a rotating element such as a turntable or different types of hand rails.
When choosing lift trucks, important specifications to take into consideration include lift capacity and stroke. Stroke is defined as the difference between the fully-raised and the fully-lowered lift positions. Lift capacity is the maximum, supportable load or forcforce or load. Other specifications for forklifts comprise their tire and type of fuel.
Forklifts comprise different fuel options such as: LP or liquid propane, CNG or compressed natural gas, propane, diesel fuel, gasoline and natural gas. There are 2 major kinds of tires utilized for operating fork trucks and forklifts: pneumatic and solid. Solid or cushion tires require less maintenance compared to pneumatic tires and do not puncture. The cushion or solid tires do offer less shock absorption in general. Pneumatic or air-inflated tires however provide great load-cushioning and drive traction.
For lift trucks, there are 7 classes. Class 1 forklifts include electric-motor rider trucks, seated or stand-up 3 wheeled units. Normally, rider units are counterbalanced and can have either pneumatic or cushion wheels. Class II forklifts are electric motor units which are used for order picking or stock applications in narrow aisle setting. These models offer extra reach functions or swing mast.
Class III forklifts are either walk-behind or standing-rider operated electric-motor trucks. Automated pallet lift trucks and high lift models are normally counterbalanced units. Class IV forklifts have seated controls and cabs. These kinds of forklifts are rider fork trucks with IC or internal combustion engines. In addition, this class utilizes cushion or solid tires.
Class V lift trucks are rider fork trucks. They have seated controls and cabs, pneumatic tires and IC or internal combustion engines. Like Class IV lift trucks, they are typically counterbalanced. Class VI forklifts are tow tractor lifts that are designed for a sit-down rider. This class is supplied with electric or IC or internal combustion engines.
Lastly, Class VII lift trucks are the ideal choice for use on rough terrain areas. They are a common feature in construction, logging and agricultural applications. Class VII forklifts include all employee carriers and burden carriers.