Forklifts
Forklifts are used to transfer, lift and engage palletized loads in material handling, construction, manufacturing and warehousing applications. With manual-drive forklifts, the load or travel movement is either walk-behind or manually powered. Motorized drive forklifts have a motorized drive. In many models, the forklift has a protected cab or seat for the operator. Fork trucks include features like backup alarms, and cabs and are also motorized. Several models of forklifts are counterbalanced so as to prevent the vehicle from tipping 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 account when choosing a kind of forklift. Lift capacity is defined as the supportable, maximum load or force. Stroke is defined as the difference between completely raised and fully lowered lift positions.
Some of the other important specifications for the forklift are tire type and fuel type. The fuel choices available include: LP or liquid propane, natural gas, electricity, compressed natural gas or CNG, propane, diesel or gasoline.
There are two basic types of tires utilized for forklifts and fork trucks: solid and pneumatic. The solid or cushion tires require less maintenance than pneumatic tires and do not puncture as easy. Air-inflated or pneumatic tires offer load cushioning and great drive traction. At the end of the day, solid or cushion tires offer less shock absorption.
Class VII forklifts are generally designed to be used on rough terrain. These machines are usually used in agriculture, construction and in logging environments. Lastly, Class VIII forklifts include all burden and personnel carriers. Dual Fuel forklifts frequently fit in this class.