Forklifts
Forklifts are used to transport, raise and engage palletized loads in material handling, construction, 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 many models, the forklift has a protected cab or seat for the driver. Fork trucks include features like backup alarms, and cabs and are also motorized. Several kinds of forklifts are counterbalanced so as to prevent the vehicle from turning over. Other models are available with safety rails, or a rotating element such as a turntable or a hand rail.
Other factors that are important to consider when selecting a forklift include the stroke and lift capacity. Lift capacity is defined as the supportable, maximum force or load. Stroke is defined as the difference between completely lowered and fully raised lift positions.
Several of the other key specifications for the forklift include tire type and fuel type. The fuel choices available include: natural gas, LP or liquid propane, compressed natural gas or CNG, electricity, diesel, gasoline or propane.
There are two basic types of tires used for fork trucks and forklifts: solid and pneumatic. The cushion or solid tires need less maintenance compared to pneumatic tires and do not easily puncture. Pneumatic or air-inflated tires provide load cushioning and great drive traction. At the end of the day, solid or cushion tires offer less shock absorption.
Class VII forklifts are normally designed for use on rough terrain. These types of machinery are normally used in agriculture, construction and in logging environments. Lastly, Class VIII forklifts include all personnel and burden carriers. Dual Fuel forklifts often fit in this class.