Forklifts
Forklifts are used to transfer, raise and engage palletized loads in construction, material handling, warehousing and manufacturing operation. With manual-drive forklifts, the travel or load movement is either walk-behind or powered manually. Motorized drive forklifts have a motorized drive. In various models, the forklift has a protected cab or seat for the operator. Fork trucks have features like for instance backup alarms, and cabs and are also motorized. Some models of forklifts are counterbalanced in order to prevent the vehicle from tipping over. Other types of forklifts come outfitted with safety rails, or a rotating element such as a turntable or a hand rail.
The lift capacity and stroke are other specification which you should take into account when choosing a kind of forklift. 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 fuel and the type of tire are also other important specifications that should be considered. The available fuel choices are: natural gas, liquid propane or LP, compressed natural gas or CNG, electricity, propane, diesel or gasoline.
There are two basic types of tires used for fork trucks and forklifts: pneumatic and solid. The cushion or solid tires need less maintenance than pneumatic tires and do not puncture easily. 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.
Class VII forklifts are normally designed to be utilized on rough terrain. These machinery are normally utilized in construction, agriculture and in logging environments. Last of all, Class VIII forklifts have all burden and personnel carriers. Dual Fuel forklifts often fit in this class.