Forklifts
In material handling, construction, manufacturing and warehousing operation, forklifts are normally used to transport and raise palletized loads. With manual-drive forklifts, the travel or load movement is either walk-behind or powered manually. Motorized drive forklifts have a motorized drive. In numerous models, the forklift has a protected cab or seat for the driver. Fork trucks have features like cabs, and backup alarms and are additionally motorized. Some types of forklifts are counterbalanced so as to prevent the vehicle from turning 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 factors which you must 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 completely raised lift positions.
The type of tire and the type of fuel are also other key specifications which must be considered. The fuel choices available are: natural gas, LP or liquid propane, electricity, compressed natural gas or CNG, gasoline, propane or diesel.
For forklifts and fork trucks, there are two basic types of tires which can be used. They are: pneumatic and solid. The solid or cushion tires need less maintenance than pneumatic tires and do not puncture as easy. Pneumatic or air-inflated 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 usually designed to be used on rough terrain. These machinery are usually used in agriculture, construction and in logging environments. Last of all, Class VIII forklifts include all personnel and burden carriers. Dual Fuel forklifts typically fit in this class.