Forklifts
In material handling, construction, manufacturing and warehousing applications, forklifts are normally used to move and lift palletized loads. With manual-drive forklifts, the load or travel movement is either powered manually or walk-behind. Motorized drive forklifts have a motorized drive. In many kinds of forklifts, the forklift has a protected seat or cab for the driver. Fork trucks include features such as cabs, and backup alarms and are additionally motorized. Various kinds of forklifts are counterbalanced so as 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.
Other factors which are important to consider when selecting a forklift include the stroke and lift capacity. Lift capacity is defined as the supportable, maximum load or force. 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 important specifications that must be considered. The available fuel choices are: liquid propane or LP, natural gas, compressed natural gas or CNG, electricity, propane, diesel or gasoline.
For forklifts and fork trucks, there are two basic types of tires that can be used. They are: pneumatic and solid. The cushion or solid tires need less maintenance than pneumatic tires and do not easily puncture. Air-inflated or pneumatic tires offer load cushioning and great drive traction. At the end of the day, solid or cushion tires provide less shock absorption.
Class VII forklifts are generally designed for use on rough terrain. These kinds of machinery are usually used in construction, agriculture and in logging environments. Lastly, Class VIII forklifts have all burden and personnel carriers. Dual Fuel forklifts typically fit in this class.