Forklifts
In construction, material handling, manufacturing and warehousing applications, forklifts are normally used to move and lift palletized loads. With manual-drive forklifts, the travel or load movement is either manually powered or walk-behind. Motorized drive forklifts have a motorized drive. In many models, the forklift has a protected cab or seat for the operator. Fork trucks include features like backup alarms, and cabs and are also motorized. Several types of forklifts are counterbalanced in order to prevent the vehicle from turning over. Other types of forklifts are available with safety rails, or a rotating element like a turntable or a hand rail.
The lift capacity and stroke are other factors which you must take into account when selecting a kind of forklift. Lift capacity is defined as the maximum, supportable load or force. Stroke is defined as the difference between completely raised and fully lowered lift positions.
Some of the other important specifications for the forklift include tire type and fuel type. The available fuel choices are: natural gas, liquid propane or LP, electricity, compressed natural gas or CNG, diesel, gasoline or propane.
There are two basic types of tires used for forklifts and fork trucks: solid and pneumatic. The solid or cushion tires require less maintenance compared to 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.
Normally utilized on rough terrain are Class VII forklifts. These types of equipment are usually used in construction, agriculture and in logging environments. Lastly, Class VIII forklifts have all burden and personnel carriers. Dual Fuel lift trucks typically fit in this class.