Forklifts
Forklifts are used to transport, raise and engage palletized loads in material handling, construction, 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 many models, the forklift has a protected seat or cab for the operator. Fork trucks include features like for instance backup alarms, and cabs and are also motorized. Some kinds of forklifts are counterbalanced in order to prevent the vehicle from tipping over. Other models are available with safety rails, or a rotating element like a hand rail or a turntable.
Other factors that are vital to think about when selecting 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 completely raised and fully lowered lift positions.
Some of the other key specifications for the forklift include tire type and fuel type. The fuel choices available are: liquid propane or LP, natural gas, electricity, compressed natural gas or CNG, propane, diesel or gasoline.
There are two basic types of tires utilized for forklifts and fork trucks: pneumatic and solid. The solid or cushion tires require 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 provide less shock absorption.
Generally used on rough terrain are Class VII forklifts. These types of machinery are normally utilized in construction, agriculture and in logging environments. Last of all, Class VIII forklifts have all personnel and burden carriers. Dual Fuel forklifts typically fit in this class.