Lift trucks are used to raise, engage and transport palletized loads within warehousing, manufacturing, material handling, construction and mining applications. There are 3 main types of lift trucks: a manual drive, motorized drive and fork truck. The load movement or travel is powered manually or by walking at the back of the equipment with manual-drive lift trucks.
Motorized-drive model lift trucks are complete with a motorized drive. In many instances, a protected cab or seat is part of the design to keep the operator safe and comfortable. Fork trucks are another type which are motorized and include features like for example cabs and backup alarms. In order to prevent the machine from tipping over, several lift trucks are counterbalanced. Other types of forklifts comprise safety rails, a rotating element such as a turntable or other kinds of hand rails.
Important specifications to take into consideration when choosing lift trucks include lift capacity and stroke. Stroke is defined as the difference between the fully-lowered and the fully-raised lift positions. Lift capacity is the maximum, supportable load or forcforce or load. Additional specifications for forklifts consist of their tire and type of fuel.
Different fuel options for lift trucks include: LP or liquid propane, CNG or compressed natural gas, diesel fuel, propane, gasoline and natural gas. There are 2 basic kinds of tires utilized for operating forklifts and fork trucks: pneumatic and solid. Solid or cushion tires need less maintenance than pneumatic tires and do not puncture. The cushion or solid tires do offer less shock absorption in general. Pneumatic or air-inflated tires on the other hand offer excellent drive traction and load-cushioning.
There are 7 classes of lift trucks. The first class of lift trucks, Class I, is either stand-up or seated 3 wheeled units that are electric-motor rider trucks. Normally, rider units are counterbalanced and could have either pneumatic or cushion wheels. Class II forklifts are electric motor units which are utilized for order picking or stock applications in narrow aisle environments. These types of forklifts offer extra swing mast or reach functions.
Class III forklifts are either standing-rider or walk-behind operated electric-motor trucks. High lift models and automated pallet lift trucks are usually counterbalanced units. Class IV forklifts have cabs and seated controls. These models are rider fork trucks with IC or internal combustion engines. Moreover, this class uses cushion or solid tires.
Rider fork Trucks are incorporated in Class V. These equipment would have seated controls and cabs, pneumatic tires and internal combustion or IC engines. Like Class IV lift trucks, they are normally counterbalanced. Class VI lift trucks are tow tractor lifts which are designed for a sit-down rider. This particular class is supplied with electric or internal combustion or IC engines.
Finally, Class VII lift trucks are the ideal option for use on rough terrain areas. They are a common feature in logging, agricultural and construction applications. Class VII forklifts include all burden carriers and personnel carriers.