Forklifts
Forklifts are utilized to transport, lift and engage palletized loads in material handling, construction, manufacturing and warehousing applications. With manual-drive forklifts, the travel or load movement is either walk-behind or powered manually. Motorized drive forklifts have a motorized drive. In many 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 kinds of forklifts are counterbalanced in order to prevent the vehicle from turning over. Other models are offered with safety rails, or a rotating element such as a turntable or a hand rail.
The stroke and lift capacity are other factors that you must take into account when selecting a type of forklift. Lift capacity is defined as the maximum, supportable force or load. Stroke is defined as the difference between fully raised and fully lowered lift positions.
The type of tire and the type of fuel are also other key specifications that should be considered. The available fuel choices are: LP or liquid propane, natural gas, electricity, CNG or compressed natural gas, propane, diesel or gasoline.
There are two basic types of tires for fork trucks and forklifts: solid and pneumatic. The solid or cushion tires require less maintenance than pneumatic tires and do not easily puncture. Pneumatic or air-inflated tires provide load cushioning and great drive traction. At the end of the day, solid or cushion tires provide less shock absorption.
Class VII forklifts are normally designed for use on rough terrain. These types of machinery are often utilized in agriculture, construction and in logging environments. Last of all, Class VIII forklifts have all burden and personnel carriers. Dual Fuel forklifts frequently fit in this class.