Forklifts are utilized in manufacturing, warehousing, construction, mining and material handling applications to lift, engage and transport palletized loads. Forklifts have 3 main kinds: a manual drive, motorized drive and fork truck. The load movement or travel is powered manually or by walking at the back of the machinery with manual-drive forklifts.
Motorized-drive model forklifts are complete with a motorized drive. In lots of instances, a seat or protected cab is part of the design in order to keep the operator safe and comfortable. Fork trucks are a different type that are motorized and consist of features like for instance cabs and backup alarms. In order to prevent the vehicle from overturning, several forklifts are counterbalanced. Other models comprise safety rails, a rotating element such as a turntable or other kinds of hand rails.
Important specifications to take into account when selecting lift trucks consist of stroke and lift capacity. Stroke is defined as the difference between the fully-raised and the fully-lowered lift positions. Lift capacity is the supportable, maximum load or forcforce or load. Other specifications for lift trucks consist of their tire and fuel type.
Different fuel options for lift trucks comprise: liquid propane or LPG, CNG or compressed natural gas, propane, diesel fuel, natural gas and gasoline. There are 2 major types of tires for operating forklifts and fork trucks: solid and pneumatic. Solid or cushion tires require less maintenance compared to pneumatic tires and do not puncture. The solid or cushion tires do offer less shock absorption in general. Air-inflated or pneumatic tires however provide great drive traction and load-cushioning.
For lift trucks, there are 7 classes. Class 1 lift trucks incorporate electric-motor rider trucks, seated or stand-up 3 wheeled units. Normally, rider units are counterbalanced and can have either pneumatic or cushion wheels. Class II lift trucks are electric motor units that are used for order picking or stock applications in narrow aisle environments. These models offer extra swing mast or reach functions.
Forklift Class III lift trucks include walk-behind or standing-rider operated electric-motor trucks. Automated pallet lift trucks and high lift models are usually counterbalanced units. Class IV forklifts have cabs and seated controls. These models are rider fork trucks with internal combustion or IC engines. In addition, this class utilizes cushion or solid tires.
Rider fork Trucks are included in Class V. These equipment will have cabs and seated controls, pneumatic tires and IC or internal combustion engines. Similar to Class IV forklifts, they are typically counterbalanced. Class VI lift trucks are tow tractor lifts that are designed for a sit-down rider. This particular class is supplied with electric or internal combustion or IC engines.
Class VII lift trucks are the last classification and consist of rough terrain forklifts, that are normally used in logging, agricultural and construction applications. Class VII forklifts consist of all burden carriers and personnel carriers.