Tire Types
Generally, cushion tires are solid tires which have no tread pattern. They are mostly made to be utilized on smooth and solid surfaces, typically indoors. There are tread patterns available however, that are more suitable for different surface environments. The cushion tires are common on smooth warehouse floors and in similar applications.
On the other hand, pneumatic tires require air and have been specifically designed for outdoor use on loose surfaces and uneven ground. Pneumatic truck tires have higher ground clearance as well. This raises the forklift's center of gravity and greatly reduces its rated lift capacity. Most often, pneumatic tires are used in rough terrain surroundings because of their ability to navigate uneven surfaces in a smoother fashion. Numerous construction sites and agricultural or mining applications depend on these tires so as to make sure the machinery is able to travel as safe and carefully as possible.
Lift height and Lift Capacity
It is vital to know the maximum dimensions and weight of the loads you will be handling in order to determine the capacity of the vehicle needed. Additionally, you should know the maximum fork height required to be able to stack or rack the loads. These factors, the load size and the lifting height, greatly affect the truck's lifting capacity. A bigger size load can move the vehicle's center of gravity and change the load combination. This reduces the lifting capacity of the machine as well as affects the load being lifted and the height. Utilizing different kinds of attachments can also affect the overall capacity of the truck.
Mast Options
On the market these days are various options of forklift masts. These consist of: single, double, triple and quad masts. The number indicated the amount of sections on the mast. In various circumstances, you would not be needed to make any choices because the lift height will dictate the type of mast you will get, however, in trucks with really high lift heights, you may have a choice.