Forklifts
In material handling, construction, warehousing and manufacturing operation, forklifts are usually utilized to transport and raise palletized loads. With manual-drive forklifts, the travel or load movement is either manually powered or walk-behind. Motorized drive forklifts have a motorized drive. In numerous models, the forklift has a protected cab or seat for the operator. Fork trucks have features like for example cabs, and backup alarms and are also motorized. Various types of forklifts are counterbalanced so as to prevent the vehicle from turning over. Other models are available with safety rails, or a rotating element like for instance a hand rail or a turntable.
The lift capacity and stroke are other factors that you must 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 fuel and the type of tire are also other important specifications which should be considered. The available fuel choices are: liquid propane or LP, natural gas, electricity, CNG or compressed natural gas, propane, diesel or gasoline.
For fork trucks and forklifts, there are two basic types of tires which could be utilized. They are: solid and pneumatic. The solid or cushion tires need less maintenance than pneumatic tires and do not easily puncture. Air-inflated or pneumatic tires provide great drive traction and load-cushioning. At the end of the day, solid or cushion tires offer less shock absorption.
Usually used on rough terrain are Class VII forklifts. These machinery are usually used in construction, agriculture and in logging environments. Last of all, Class VIII forklifts include all burden and personnel carriers. Dual Fuel lift trucks often fit in this class.