Forklifts
In construction, material handling, manufacturing and warehousing operation, forklifts are usually utilized to transport and raise palletized loads. With manual-drive forklifts, the load or travel movement is either walk-behind or powered manually. Motorized drive forklifts have a motorized drive. In many models, the forklift has a protected seat or cab for the driver. Fork trucks include features like for instance backup alarms, and cabs and are also motorized. Some types of forklifts are counterbalanced so as to prevent the vehicle from tipping over. Other kinds of forklifts are available with safety rails, or a rotating element like a hand rail or a turntable.
The lift capacity and stroke are other specification which you should take into account when selecting a kind 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 important specifications for the forklift are fuel type and tire type. The available fuel choices include: natural gas, liquid propane or LP, electricity, compressed natural gas or CNG, propane, diesel or gasoline.
There are two basic types of tires utilized for fork trucks and forklifts: solid and pneumatic. The solid or cushion tires need less maintenance compared to pneumatic tires and do not puncture as easy. Air-inflated or pneumatic tires provide load cushioning and great drive traction. At the end of the day, solid or cushion tires provide less shock absorption.
Normally used on rough terrain are Class VII forklifts. These machinery are usually used in agriculture, construction and in logging environments. Lastly, Class VIII forklifts have all burden and personnel carriers. Dual Fuel lift trucks frequently fit in this class.