Forklifts
Forklifts are used to transport, raise and engage palletized loads in construction, material handling, warehousing and manufacturing operation. 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 types of forklifts, the forklift has a protected cab or seat for the operator. Fork trucks have features such as cabs, and backup alarms and are also motorized. Some types of forklifts are counterbalanced so as to prevent the vehicle from turning over. Other models are available with safety rails, or a rotating element like for instance a turntable or a hand rail.
Other specifications which are essential to consider when choosing 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 completely lowered and completely raised lift positions.
Several of the other key specifications for the forklift include fuel type and tire type. The available fuel choices include: natural gas, LP or liquid propane, compressed natural gas or CNG, electricity, diesel, gasoline or propane.
For fork trucks and forklifts, there are two basic kinds of tires which could be utilized. They are: pneumatic and solid. The cushion or solid tires need less maintenance compared to pneumatic tires and do not puncture easily. Air-inflated or pneumatic tires offer load cushioning and great drive traction. At the end of the day, cushion or solid tires provide less shock absorption.
Class VII forklifts are generally designed to be used on rough terrain. These kinds of machines are normally used in agriculture, construction and in logging environments. Last of all, Class VIII forklifts include all burden and personnel carriers. Dual Fuel lift trucks typically fit in this class.