Forklifts
In material handling, construction, warehousing and manufacturing operation, forklifts are normally used to transport and lift palletized loads. With manual-drive forklifts, the travel or load movement is either powered manually or walk-behind. Motorized drive forklifts have a motorized drive. In numerous models, the forklift has a protected cab or seat for the driver. Fork trucks include features such as cabs, and backup alarms and are also motorized. Several models of forklifts are counterbalanced so as to prevent the vehicle from turning over. Other kinds of forklifts are offered with safety rails, or a rotating element such as a turntable or a hand rail.
Other specifications that are important to consider when selecting a forklift include the lift capacity and stroke. Lift capacity is defined as the supportable, maximum load or force. 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 vital specifications which must be considered. The fuel choices available are: LP or liquid propane, natural gas, compressed natural gas or CNG, electricity, diesel, gasoline or propane.
There are two basic kinds of tires for fork trucks and forklifts: pneumatic and solid. The cushion or solid tires require less maintenance compared to pneumatic tires and do not puncture as easy. Air-inflated or pneumatic tires provide great drive traction and load-cushioning. At the end of the day, solid or cushion tires provide less shock absorption.
Class VII forklifts are generally designed to be used on rough terrain. These types of machines are usually used in construction, agriculture and in logging environments. Last of all, Class VIII forklifts include all personnel and burden carriers. Dual Fuel forklifts frequently fit in this class.