Forklifts
Forklifts are utilized to transport, raise and engage palletized loads in material handling, construction, manufacturing and warehousing applications. With manual-drive forklifts, the load or travel movement is either manually powered or walk-behind. Motorized drive forklifts have a motorized drive. In many models, the forklift has a protected seat or cab for the driver. Fork trucks include features such as cabs, and backup alarms and are additionally motorized. Several models of forklifts are counterbalanced in order to prevent the vehicle from turning over. Other models are offered with safety rails, or a rotating element like a hand rail or a turntable.
The stroke and lift capacity are other factors which you must take into consideration when selecting a type of forklift. Lift capacity is defined as the maximum, supportable 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 are: natural gas, liquid propane or LP, electricity, CNG or compressed natural gas, propane, diesel or gasoline.
There are two basic kinds of tires utilized for fork trucks and forklifts: solid and pneumatic. The cushion or solid tires need less maintenance compared to 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 utilized on rough terrain. These machines are normally used in agriculture, construction and in logging environments. Last of all, Class VIII forklifts have all personnel and burden carriers. Dual Fuel lift trucks often fit in this class.