Forklifts
Forklifts are utilized to transport, lift and engage palletized loads in material handling, construction, warehousing and manufacturing operation. With manual-drive forklifts, the travel or load movement is either powered manually or walk-behind. Motorized drive forklifts have a motorized drive. In numerous models, the forklift has a protected seat or cab for the driver. Fork trucks include features such as cabs, and backup alarms and are also motorized. Several types 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 important to consider when selecting a forklift are the lift capacity and stroke. Lift capacity is defined as the supportable, maximum force or load. Stroke is defined as the difference between fully raised and fully lowered lift positions.
Several of the other important specifications for the forklift are fuel type and tire type. The fuel choices available are: LP or liquid propane, natural gas, electricity, compressed natural gas or CNG, gasoline, propane or diesel.
There are two basic types of tires utilized for forklifts and fork trucks: solid and pneumatic. The solid or cushion tires require less maintenance than pneumatic tires and do not easily puncture. Pneumatic or air-inflated tires provide load cushioning and great drive traction. At the end of the day, cushion or solid tires offer less shock absorption.
Generally used on rough terrain are Class VII forklifts. These machines are often used in construction, agriculture and in logging environments. Lastly, Class VIII forklifts include all burden and personnel carriers. Dual Fuel forklifts often fit in this class.