Tire Types
Usually, cushion tires are solid tires which have no tread pattern. They are mostly designed to be used on smooth and solid surfaces, normally indoors. There are tread patterns available though, that are more suitable for various surface environments. The cushion tires are common on smooth warehouse floors and in similar applications.
However, pneumatic tires require air and have been specifically designed for outdoor use on loose surfaces and uneven ground. Pneumatic truck tires have higher ground clearance also. This raises the center of gravity of the forklift and greatly reduces its rated lift capacity. More often than not, pneumatic tires are utilized in rough terrain environments due to their ability to navigate uneven surfaces in a smoother manner. Numerous agricultural or mining applications and construction sites rely on these tires to be able to make sure the machinery can travel as safe and carefully as possible.
Lift Capacity and Lift Height
In order to determine the capacity of the vehicle needed, it is vital to know the maximum weight and dimensions of the loads you will be handling. In addition, you will have to know the maximum fork height required so as to rack or stack the loads. These factors, the load size and the lifting height, really affect the truck's lifting capacity. A larger size load can move the center of gravity of the vehicle and change the load combination. This decreases the equipment's lifting capacity as well as affects the height and the load being lifted. Utilizing different attachments could also affect the truck's overall capacity.
Mast Options
On the market these days are several different options of forklift masts. These comprise: quad, triple, double and single masts. The number indicated the amount of sections on the mast. In a variety of circumstances, you will not be required to make any choices as the lift height will dictate the type of mast you will get, although, in trucks with very high lift heights, you can have a choice.