Forklifts
In material handling, construction, manufacturing and warehousing operation, forklifts are usually used to move and raise 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 numerous kinds of forklifts, the forklift has a protected seat or cab for the operator. Fork trucks have features such as cabs, and backup alarms and are also motorized. Various types of forklifts are counterbalanced in order to prevent the vehicle from turning over. Other kinds of forklifts are offered with safety rails, or a rotating element such as a turntable or a hand rail.
Other specifications that are vital to think about when choosing a forklift include the lift capacity and stroke. Lift capacity is defined as the maximum, supportable force or load. Stroke is defined as the difference between fully lowered and completely raised lift positions.
Several of the other vital specifications for the forklift include tire type and fuel type. The available fuel choices include: LP or liquid propane, natural gas, CNG or compressed natural gas, electricity, propane, diesel or gasoline.
There are two basic types of tires utilized for fork trucks and forklifts: pneumatic and solid. The cushion or solid tires need less maintenance than pneumatic tires and do not puncture as easy. Pneumatic or air-inflated tires provide load cushioning and great drive traction. At the end of the day, cushion or solid tires provide less shock absorption.
Usually utilized on rough terrain are Class VII forklifts. These types of machines are normally used in agriculture, construction and in logging environments. Last of all, Class VIII forklifts include all personnel and burden carriers. Dual Fuel lift trucks typically fit in this class.