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