Forklifts
In material handling, construction, warehousing and manufacturing operation, forklifts are usually utilized to move and raise palletized loads. With manual-drive forklifts, the load or travel movement is either powered manually or walk-behind. Motorized drive forklifts have a motorized drive. In various kinds of forklifts, the forklift has a protected seat or cab for the driver. Fork trucks have features like backup alarms, and cabs and are additionally motorized. Various models of forklifts are counterbalanced so as to prevent the vehicle from turning over. Other models come outfitted with safety rails, or a rotating element like for instance a turntable or a hand rail.
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 maximum, supportable force or load. Stroke is defined as the difference between completely lowered and fully raised lift positions.
The type of tire and the type of fuel are also other key specifications that should be considered. The fuel choices available include: liquid propane or LP, natural gas, CNG or compressed natural gas, electricity, diesel, gasoline or propane.
There are two basic kinds of tires used for forklifts and fork trucks: pneumatic and solid. The solid or cushion tires need less maintenance than 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, cushion or solid tires provide less shock absorption.
Class VII forklifts are normally designed to be used on rough terrain. These types of equipment are usually utilized in agriculture, construction and in logging environments. Last of all, Class VIII forklifts have all personnel and burden carriers. Dual Fuel forklifts often fit in this class.