Forklifts
Forklifts are utilized to transport, raise and engage palletized loads in construction, material handling, warehousing and manufacturing applications. With manual-drive forklifts, the load or travel movement is either powered manually or walk-behind. Motorized drive forklifts have a motorized drive. In numerous models, the forklift has a protected seat or cab for the driver. Fork trucks include features such as backup alarms, and cabs and are also motorized. Several models of forklifts are counterbalanced in order to prevent the vehicle from turning over. Other types of forklifts come equipped with safety rails, or a rotating element such as a turntable or a hand rail.
Other factors which are important to think about when choosing a forklift are the lift capacity and stroke. Lift capacity is defined as the supportable, maximum force or load. Stroke is defined as the difference between fully raised and fully lowered lift positions.
The type of fuel and the type of tire are also other vital specifications that must be considered. The available fuel choices include: natural gas, LP or liquid propane, electricity, CNG or compressed natural gas, diesel, gasoline or propane.
There are two basic kinds of tires for forklifts and fork trucks: solid and pneumatic. The cushion or solid tires need less maintenance compared to pneumatic tires and do not puncture easily. Pneumatic or air-inflated 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 generally designed to be used on rough terrain. These equipment are often utilized in construction, agriculture and in logging environments. Last of all, Class VIII forklifts include all burden and personnel carriers. Dual Fuel lift trucks often fit in this class.