Forklifts
In construction, material handling, manufacturing and warehousing operation, forklifts are usually used to transport and lift palletized loads. With manual-drive forklifts, the load or travel movement is either manually powered or walk-behind. Motorized drive forklifts have a motorized drive. In many types of forklifts, the forklift has a protected cab or seat for the driver. Fork trucks include features such as backup alarms, and cabs and are additionally motorized. Several types of forklifts are counterbalanced so as to prevent the vehicle from tipping over. Other models are available with safety rails, or a rotating element like a turntable or a hand rail.
Other factors that are important 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 completely lowered and fully raised lift positions.
Several of the other vital specifications for the forklift include tire type and fuel type. The fuel choices available include: LP or liquid propane, natural gas, electricity, CNG or compressed natural gas, propane, diesel or gasoline.
For fork trucks and forklifts, there are two basic types of tires that could be used. They are: pneumatic and solid. The solid or cushion 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, cushion or solid tires offer less shock absorption.
Class VII forklifts are usually designed to be utilized on rough terrain. These types of equipment are normally 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.