Forklifts
Forklifts are used to transport, raise and engage palletized loads in construction, material handling, warehousing and manufacturing applications. With manual-drive forklifts, the load or travel movement is either powered manually or walk-behind. Motorized drive forklifts have a motorized drive. In various kinds of forklifts, the forklift has a protected cab or seat for the operator. Fork trucks have features such as backup alarms, and cabs and are additionally motorized. Several models of forklifts are counterbalanced in order to prevent the vehicle from turning over. Other models come equipped with safety rails, or a rotating element like a hand rail or a turntable.
The stroke and lift capacity are other specification that you must take into consideration when selecting a type of forklift. Lift capacity is defined as the maximum, supportable load or force. Stroke is defined as the difference between fully lowered and completely raised lift positions.
Several of the other key specifications for the forklift are tire type and fuel type. The available fuel choices are: natural gas, liquid propane or LP, electricity, CNG or compressed natural gas, propane, diesel or gasoline.
There are two basic kinds of tires utilized for fork trucks and forklifts: pneumatic and solid. The cushion or solid tires require less maintenance than pneumatic tires and do not puncture as easy. Pneumatic or air-inflated tires provide load cushioning and great drive traction. At the end of the day, solid or cushion tires offer less shock absorption.
Class VII forklifts are usually designed for use on rough terrain. These types of machinery are usually used in construction, agriculture and in logging environments. Lastly, Class VIII forklifts have all personnel and burden carriers. Dual Fuel forklifts frequently fit in this class.