Forklifts
Forklifts are used to transfer, lift and engage palletized loads in material handling, construction, warehousing and manufacturing operation. With manual-drive forklifts, the load or travel 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 have features like for example backup alarms, and cabs and are additionally motorized. Several models of forklifts are counterbalanced in order to prevent the vehicle from tipping over. Other kinds of forklifts come equipped with safety rails, or a rotating element like a hand rail or a turntable.
Other factors which are vital to think about when choosing a forklift include the stroke and lift capacity. Lift capacity is defined as the maximum, supportable load or force. Stroke is defined as the difference between completely raised and fully lowered lift positions.
Some 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, gasoline, propane or diesel.
For fork trucks and forklifts, there are two basic kinds of tires which could be utilized. They are: solid and pneumatic. The cushion or solid tires require less maintenance than pneumatic tires and do not easily puncture. Air-inflated or pneumatic tires offer load cushioning and great drive traction. At the end of the day, solid or cushion tires provide less shock absorption.
Generally used on rough terrain are Class VII forklifts. These types of equipment are usually used in agriculture, construction and in logging environments. Lastly, Class VIII forklifts have all personnel and burden carriers. Dual Fuel forklifts typically fit in this class.