Forklifts
Forklifts are used to transfer, lift and engage palletized loads in construction, material handling, warehousing and manufacturing 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 various models, the forklift has a protected seat or cab for the driver. Fork trucks include features like for example backup alarms, and cabs and are also motorized. Several types of forklifts are counterbalanced in order to prevent the vehicle from tipping over. Other models are offered with safety rails, or a rotating element like for instance a turntable or a hand rail.
The lift capacity and stroke are other specification which you should take into consideration when choosing a type of forklift. Lift capacity is defined as the supportable, maximum load or force. Stroke is defined as the difference between fully lowered and fully raised lift positions.
Some of the other key specifications for the forklift include fuel type and tire type. The fuel choices available are: natural gas, LP or liquid propane, CNG or compressed natural gas, electricity, propane, diesel or gasoline.
There are two basic types of tires for fork trucks and forklifts: solid and pneumatic. The solid or cushion tires need less maintenance than pneumatic tires and do not easily puncture. Air-inflated or pneumatic tires provide great drive traction and load-cushioning. At the end of the day, solid or cushion tires offer less shock absorption.
Usually utilized on rough terrain are Class VII forklifts. These equipment are normally utilized in construction, agriculture and in logging environments. Last of all, Class VIII forklifts have all burden and personnel carriers. Dual Fuel forklifts typically fit in this class.