Forklifts
In material handling, construction, manufacturing and warehousing operation, 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 numerous kinds of forklifts, the forklift has a protected seat or cab for the operator. Fork trucks have 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 models are available with safety rails, or a rotating element such as a turntable or a hand rail.
Other specifications which are important to think about when selecting a forklift are 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.
Several of the other vital specifications for the forklift include tire type and fuel type. The available fuel choices are: natural gas, LP or liquid propane, electricity, CNG or compressed natural gas, propane, diesel or gasoline.
There are two basic types of tires used for forklifts and fork trucks: pneumatic and solid. The solid or cushion tires need less maintenance than pneumatic tires and do not easily puncture. Pneumatic or air-inflated tires provide great drive traction and load-cushioning. At the end of the day, cushion or solid tires provide less shock absorption.
Class VII forklifts are usually designed to be utilized on rough terrain. These kinds of machinery are normally used in agriculture, construction 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.