Forklifts
Forklifts are utilized to transfer, raise and engage palletized loads in material handling, construction, manufacturing and warehousing operation. With manual-drive forklifts, the travel or load movement is either manually powered or walk-behind. Motorized drive forklifts have a motorized drive. In many models, the forklift has a protected seat or cab for the operator. Fork trucks have features like for instance cabs, and backup alarms and are additionally motorized. Various types of forklifts are counterbalanced so as to prevent the vehicle from turning over. Other models are offered with safety rails, or a rotating element such as a turntable or a hand rail.
Other specifications which are vital to consider when choosing 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 fully raised and fully lowered lift positions.
The type of tire and the type of fuel are also other important specifications that should be considered. The available fuel choices include: natural gas, LP or liquid propane, electricity, CNG or compressed natural gas, propane, diesel or gasoline.
For fork trucks and forklifts, there are two basic types of tires which can be used. They are: pneumatic and solid. The cushion or solid tires need less maintenance than pneumatic tires and do not easily puncture. Pneumatic or air-inflated tires offer load cushioning and great drive traction. At the end of the day, solid or cushion tires offer less shock absorption.
Normally utilized on rough terrain are Class VII forklifts. These types of machinery are usually used in construction, agriculture and in logging environments. Lastly, Class VIII forklifts include all burden and personnel carriers. Dual Fuel forklifts often fit in this class.