Forklifts
Forklifts are used to transfer, lift and engage palletized loads in material handling, construction, warehousing and manufacturing applications. With manual-drive forklifts, the load or travel movement is either walk-behind or manually powered. Motorized drive forklifts have a motorized drive. In many models, the forklift has a protected seat or cab for the operator. Fork trucks include features like for instance cabs, and backup alarms and are also motorized. Several types of forklifts are counterbalanced so as to prevent the vehicle from turning over. Other models are available with safety rails, or a rotating element like for example a turntable or a hand rail.
The stroke and lift capacity are other factors which you should take into account when selecting a kind of forklift. Lift capacity is defined as the maximum, supportable load or force. 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 key specifications which should be considered. The available fuel choices are: natural gas, LP or liquid propane, electricity, CNG or compressed natural gas, propane, diesel or gasoline.
There are two basic kinds of tires used for fork trucks and forklifts: solid and pneumatic. The solid or cushion tires require less maintenance than pneumatic tires and do not easily puncture. Pneumatic or air-inflated tires provide 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 for use on rough terrain. These machines are normally used in construction, agriculture and in logging environments. Last of all, Class VIII forklifts include all burden and personnel carriers. Dual Fuel forklifts often fit in this class.