Forklifts
In material handling, construction, manufacturing and warehousing operation, forklifts are usually utilized to transport and lift palletized loads. With manual-drive forklifts, the load or travel movement is either powered manually or walk-behind. Motorized drive forklifts have a motorized drive. In many types of forklifts, the forklift has a protected seat or cab for the driver. Fork trucks include features like cabs, and backup alarms and are additionally motorized. Various kinds of forklifts are counterbalanced in order to prevent the vehicle from turning over. Other types of forklifts come equipped with safety rails, or a rotating element like a turntable or a hand rail.
Other specifications that are essential to think about when selecting a forklift include the stroke and lift capacity. Lift capacity is defined as the supportable, maximum load or force. Stroke is defined as the difference between completely lowered and completely raised lift positions.
The type of fuel and the type of tire are also other vital specifications that must be considered. The available fuel choices are: natural gas, liquid propane or LP, CNG or compressed natural gas, electricity, gasoline, propane or diesel.
There are two basic kinds of tires for forklifts and fork trucks: pneumatic and solid. The solid or cushion tires need less maintenance compared to pneumatic tires and do not easily puncture. Pneumatic or air-inflated tires offer great drive traction and load-cushioning. At the end of the day, solid or cushion tires provide less shock absorption.
Usually used on rough terrain are Class VII forklifts. These equipment are often used in agriculture, construction and in logging environments. Lastly, Class VIII forklifts include all burden and personnel carriers. Dual Fuel forklifts often fit in this class.