Forklifts
In material handling, construction, manufacturing and warehousing operation, forklifts are usually used to transport and raise palletized loads. With manual-drive forklifts, the travel or load movement is either walk-behind or manually powered. Motorized drive forklifts have a motorized drive. In various 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. Some kinds of forklifts are counterbalanced in order to prevent the vehicle from tipping over. Other models are offered with safety rails, or a rotating element such as a turntable or a hand rail.
The lift capacity and stroke are other specification that you should take into account when choosing a type of forklift. Lift capacity is defined as the maximum, supportable load or force. Stroke is defined as the difference between completely raised and fully lowered lift positions.
The type of fuel and the type of tire are also other vital specifications which should be considered. The available fuel choices include: LP or liquid propane, natural gas, electricity, compressed natural gas or CNG, gasoline, propane or diesel.
For forklifts and fork trucks, there are two basic types of tires that could be utilized. They are: pneumatic and solid. The cushion or solid tires need less maintenance than pneumatic tires and do not puncture as easy. Air-inflated or pneumatic tires provide great drive traction and load-cushioning. At the end of the day, solid or cushion tires offer less shock absorption.
Generally used on rough terrain are Class VII forklifts. These equipment are usually utilized in agriculture, construction and in logging environments. Last of all, Class VIII forklifts include all burden and personnel carriers. Dual Fuel lift trucks frequently fit in this class.