Forklifts
In construction, material handling, warehousing and manufacturing operation, forklifts are usually utilized to move and lift palletized loads. 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 kinds of forklifts, the forklift has a protected seat or cab for the operator. Fork trucks include features like cabs, and backup alarms 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 for instance a turntable or a hand rail.
Other factors which are important to consider when selecting a forklift are the lift capacity and stroke. Lift capacity is defined as the maximum, supportable force or load. Stroke is defined as the difference between completely raised and fully lowered lift positions.
The type of tire and the type of fuel are also other important specifications that should be considered. The fuel choices available include: natural gas, liquid propane or LP, compressed natural gas or CNG, electricity, propane, diesel or gasoline.
There are two basic kinds of tires used for fork trucks and forklifts: solid and pneumatic. The cushion or solid tires require less maintenance than pneumatic tires and do not easily puncture. Pneumatic or air-inflated tires provide great drive traction and load-cushioning. At the end of the day, cushion or solid tires offer less shock absorption.
Class VII forklifts are usually designed for use on rough terrain. These kinds of machines are usually used in construction, agriculture and in logging environments. Lastly, Class VIII forklifts include all personnel and burden carriers. Dual Fuel lift trucks frequently fit in this class.