Forklifts
Forklifts are used to transfer, lift and engage palletized loads in construction, material handling, manufacturing and warehousing operation. With manual-drive forklifts, the travel or load movement is either walk-behind or powered manually. Motorized drive forklifts have a motorized drive. In many models, the forklift has a protected cab or seat for the operator. Fork trucks include features like for example backup alarms, and cabs and are additionally motorized. Various kinds of forklifts are counterbalanced so as to prevent the vehicle from tipping over. Other models come outfitted with safety rails, or a rotating element such as a hand rail or a turntable.
The stroke and lift capacity are other specification which you should take into account when selecting a type of forklift. Lift capacity is defined as the maximum, supportable 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 include tire type and fuel type. The fuel choices available are: liquid propane or LP, natural gas, compressed natural gas or CNG, electricity, diesel, gasoline or propane.
There are two basic types of tires for fork trucks and forklifts: solid and pneumatic. The cushion or solid tires require less maintenance compared to pneumatic tires and do not easily puncture. Air-inflated or pneumatic tires provide great drive traction and load-cushioning. At the end of the day, cushion or solid tires offer less shock absorption.
Class VII forklifts are normally designed for use on rough terrain. These equipment are usually used in construction, agriculture and in logging environments. Lastly, Class VIII forklifts have all burden and personnel carriers. Dual Fuel forklifts typically fit in this class.