Forklifts
Forklifts are used to transfer, lift and engage palletized loads in construction, material handling, warehousing and manufacturing operation. With manual-drive forklifts, the load or travel movement is either walk-behind or manually powered. Motorized drive forklifts have a motorized drive. In various types of forklifts, the forklift has a protected cab or seat for the driver. Fork trucks include features like for example cabs, and backup alarms and are also motorized. Various types of forklifts are counterbalanced so as to prevent the vehicle from turning over. Other kinds of forklifts are available with safety rails, or a rotating element like for example a hand rail or a turntable.
The stroke and lift capacity are other specification that you must take into account when selecting a type 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 key specifications that should be considered. The available fuel choices include: natural gas, liquid propane or LP, CNG or compressed natural gas, electricity, diesel, gasoline or propane.
There are two basic types of tires for forklifts and fork trucks: pneumatic and solid. The cushion or solid tires need less maintenance compared to pneumatic tires and do not puncture easily. 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.
Class VII forklifts are usually designed to be utilized on rough terrain. These equipment are usually used in construction, agriculture and in logging environments. Last of all, Class VIII forklifts include all burden and personnel carriers. Dual Fuel lift trucks frequently fit in this class.