Forklifts
Forklifts are used to transfer, raise 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 various models, the forklift has a protected seat or cab for the driver. Fork trucks include features like for example cabs, and backup alarms and are additionally motorized. Several kinds of forklifts are counterbalanced so as to prevent the vehicle from tipping over. Other types of forklifts come equipped with safety rails, or a rotating element like for example a hand rail or a turntable.
The lift capacity and stroke are other specification which you should take into account when selecting a kind of forklift. 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 tire and the type of fuel are also other important specifications which must be considered. The fuel choices available include: liquid propane or LP, natural gas, compressed natural gas or CNG, electricity, propane, diesel or gasoline.
There are two basic kinds of tires utilized for forklifts and fork trucks: solid and pneumatic. The solid or cushion tires require less maintenance than pneumatic tires and do not puncture easily. Air-inflated or pneumatic tires provide load cushioning and great drive traction. At the end of the day, solid or cushion tires provide less shock absorption.
Class VII forklifts are normally designed to be utilized on rough terrain. These machines are normally utilized in agriculture, construction and in logging environments. Lastly, Class VIII forklifts include all burden and personnel carriers. Dual Fuel lift trucks frequently fit in this class.