Forklifts
In construction, material handling, manufacturing and warehousing applications, forklifts are usually utilized to transport and raise palletized loads. With manual-drive forklifts, the load or travel movement is either powered manually or walk-behind. Motorized drive forklifts have a motorized drive. In various models, the forklift has a protected cab or seat for the driver. Fork trucks include features like backup alarms, and cabs and are also motorized. Various types of forklifts are counterbalanced so as to prevent the vehicle from tipping over. Other models come equipped with safety rails, or a rotating element like for instance a hand rail or a turntable.
The stroke and lift capacity are other factors that you must take into account when selecting a type of forklift. Lift capacity is defined as the supportable, maximum load or force. Stroke is defined as the difference between fully lowered and fully raised lift positions.
Some of the other vital specifications for the forklift are tire type and fuel type. The available fuel choices include: liquid propane or LP, natural gas, electricity, compressed natural gas or CNG, propane, diesel or gasoline.
There are two basic kinds of tires utilized for forklifts and fork trucks: solid and pneumatic. The cushion or solid tires require less maintenance than pneumatic tires and do not puncture as easy. Pneumatic or air-inflated tires offer great drive traction and load-cushioning. At the end of the day, solid or cushion tires provide less shock absorption.
Usually used on rough terrain are Class VII forklifts. These equipment are often used in construction, agriculture and in logging environments. Lastly, Class VIII forklifts have all burden and personnel carriers. Dual Fuel forklifts frequently fit in this class.