Forklifts
In material handling, construction, warehousing and manufacturing operation, forklifts are usually utilized to move and raise palletized loads. With manual-drive forklifts, the travel or load movement is either walk-behind or powered manually. Motorized drive forklifts have a motorized drive. In numerous models, the forklift has a protected seat or cab for the driver. Fork trucks have features like backup alarms, and cabs and are additionally motorized. Some types of forklifts are counterbalanced in order to prevent the vehicle from tipping over. Other models are available with safety rails, or a rotating element like a hand rail or a turntable.
Other factors which are essential to consider when selecting a forklift are the stroke and lift capacity. Lift capacity is defined as the maximum, supportable load or force. 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 important specifications that must be considered. The available fuel choices include: liquid propane or LP, natural gas, electricity, CNG or compressed natural gas, gasoline, propane or diesel.
There are two basic kinds of tires used for forklifts and fork trucks: solid and pneumatic. The cushion or solid tires need less maintenance than pneumatic tires and do not easily puncture. Air-inflated or pneumatic tires offer great drive traction and load-cushioning. At the end of the day, cushion or solid tires offer less shock absorption.
Normally utilized on rough terrain are Class VII forklifts. These kinds of equipment are usually used in construction, agriculture and in logging environments. Last of all, Class VIII forklifts include all personnel and burden carriers. Dual Fuel lift trucks typically fit in this class.