Forklifts are utilized to raise, engage and transfer palletized loads within manufacturing, warehousing, material handling, construction and mining applications. There are 3 basic types of forklifts: a motorized drive, fork truck and manual drive. The travel or load movement is powered manually or by walking behind the equipment with manual-drive forklifts.
Motorized-drive model lift trucks are equipped with a motorized drive. In many instances, a seat or protected cab is part of the design to keep the operator comfortable and safe. Fork trucks are another kind which are motorized and consist of features such as backup alarms and cabs. In order to prevent the machine from tipping over, several forklifts are counterbalanced. Other kinds of forklifts consist of safety rails, a rotating element such as a turntable or other types of hand rails.
When choosing lift trucks, important specifications to take into consideration include stroke and lift capacity. Stroke is defined as the difference between the fully-raised and the fully-lowered lift positions. Lift capacity is the maximum, supportable load or forcforce or load. Additional specifications for forklifts comprise their fuel type and tire.
Different fuel options for forklifts consist of: LP or liquid propane, CNG or compressed natural gas, propane, diesel fuel, natural gas and gasoline. There are 2 major types of tires used for operating fork trucks and forklifts: pneumatic and solid. Cushion or solid tires do not puncture and require less maintenance compared to pneumatic tires. The solid or cushion tires do offer less shock absorption in general. Pneumatic or air-inflated tires however provide great load-cushioning and drive traction.
For lift trucks, there are 7 classes. Class 1 lift trucks incorporate electric-motor rider trucks, seated or stand-up 3 wheeled units. Normally, rider units could have either pneumatic or cushion wheels and are counterbalanced. Class II lift trucks are electric motor units which are used for order picking or stock applications in narrow aisle setting. These kinds of forklifts provide extra swing mast or reach functions.
Forklift Class III lift trucks include walk-behind or standing-rider operated electric-motor trucks. High lift models and automated pallet lift trucks are normally counterbalanced units. Class IV lift trucks have seated controls and cabs. These models are rider fork trucks with internal combustion or IC engines. Furthermore, this class utilizes cushion or solid tires.
Class V forklifts are rider fork trucks. They have seated controls and cabs, pneumatic tires and internal combustion or IC engines. Similar to Class IV forklifts, they are usually counterbalanced. Class VI lift trucks are tow tractor lifts that are designed for a sit-down rider. This particular class is supplied with electric or internal combustion or IC engines.
Lastly, Class VII lift trucks are the perfect option for use on rough terrain areas. They are a common feature in construction, logging and agricultural applications. Class VII forklifts consist of all employee carriers and burden carriers.