Forklifts
Forklifts are utilized to transport, lift and engage palletized loads in material handling, construction, warehousing and manufacturing applications. With manual-drive forklifts, the travel or load movement is either manually powered or walk-behind. Motorized drive forklifts have a motorized drive. In various models, the forklift has a protected cab or seat for the driver. Fork trucks have features such as cabs, and backup alarms and are additionally motorized. Several models of forklifts are counterbalanced in order to prevent the vehicle from tipping over. Other kinds of forklifts are available with safety rails, or a rotating element like for example a hand rail or a turntable.
The lift capacity and stroke are other factors which you must take into account when choosing a kind of forklift. Lift capacity is defined as the maximum, supportable load or force. Stroke is defined as the difference between fully raised and fully lowered lift positions.
The type of fuel and the type of tire are also other key specifications that should be considered. The available fuel choices include: liquid propane or LP, natural gas, CNG or compressed natural gas, electricity, propane, diesel or gasoline.
There are two basic kinds of tires for forklifts and fork trucks: solid and pneumatic. The solid or cushion tires need less maintenance compared to pneumatic tires and do not puncture easily. Pneumatic or air-inflated tires offer load cushioning and great drive traction. At the end of the day, solid or cushion tires provide less shock absorption.
Normally used on rough terrain are Class VII forklifts. These machinery are usually utilized in agriculture, construction and in logging environments. Last of all, Class VIII forklifts include all personnel and burden carriers. Dual Fuel forklifts frequently fit in this class.