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