Forklifts
Forklifts are used to transfer, lift and engage palletized loads in construction, material handling, manufacturing and warehousing operation. With manual-drive forklifts, the load or travel movement is either powered manually or walk-behind. Motorized drive forklifts have a motorized drive. In various models, the forklift has a protected cab or seat for the driver. Fork trucks include features like for instance backup alarms, and cabs and are also motorized. Some kinds of forklifts are counterbalanced in order to prevent the vehicle from tipping over. Other models come equipped with safety rails, or a rotating element such as a hand rail or a turntable.
Other factors that are essential to consider 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 completely lowered and completely raised lift positions.
Some of the other important specifications for the forklift include fuel type and tire type. The available fuel choices are: natural gas, liquid propane or LP, CNG or compressed natural gas, electricity, propane, diesel or gasoline.
There are two basic kinds of tires for fork trucks and forklifts: pneumatic and solid. The solid or cushion tires need less maintenance than pneumatic tires and do not puncture easily. Pneumatic or air-inflated tires offer load cushioning and great drive traction. At the end of the day, cushion or solid tires provide less shock absorption.
Class VII forklifts are generally designed for use on rough terrain. These types of equipment are often used in construction, agriculture and in logging environments. Last of all, Class VIII forklifts include all personnel and burden carriers. Dual Fuel forklifts typically fit in this class.