Forklifts are utilized to lift, engage and transport palletized loads within manufacturing, warehousing, material handling, construction and mining applications. There are 3 main types of lift trucks: a manual drive, motorized drive and fork truck. The load movement or travel is powered manually or by walking at the back of the equipment with manual-drive forklifts.
Motorized-drive model forklifts are complete with a motorized drive. In a lot of instances, a seat or protected cab is part of the design to keep the operator safe and comfortable. Fork trucks are a different type which are motorized and consist of features like for instance cabs and backup alarms. In order to prevent the vehicle from overturning, some forklifts are counterbalanced. Other models comprise safety rails, a rotating element such as a turntable or different kinds of hand rails.
Essential specifications to take into account when choosing lift trucks comprise lift capacity and stroke. Stroke is defined as the difference between the fully-lowered and the fully-raised lift positions. Lift capacity is the maximum, supportable load or forcforce or load. Other specifications for lift trucks include their tire and type of fuel.
Forklifts consist of various fuel options like: liquid propane or LPG, compressed natural gas or CNG, propane, diesel fuel, natural gas and gasoline. There are 2 major kinds of tires for operating fork trucks and forklifts: pneumatic and solid. Solid or cushion tires need less maintenance compared to pneumatic tires and do not puncture. The solid or cushion tires do offer less shock absorption overall. Air-inflated or pneumatic tires however offer great load-cushioning and drive traction.
There are 7 classes of forklifts. The first class of forklifts, Class I, is either stand-up or seated 3 wheeled units that are electric-motor rider trucks. Typically, rider units are counterbalanced and could have either cushion or pneumatic wheels. Class II forklifts are electric motor units which are used for order picking or stock applications in narrow aisle environments. These kinds of forklifts offer extra reach functions or swing mast.
Forklift Class III lift trucks include walk-behind or standing-rider operated electric-motor trucks. Automated pallet lift trucks and high lift models are normally counterbalanced units. Class IV forklifts have cabs and seated controls. These models are rider fork trucks with IC or internal combustion engines. Moreover, this class uses cushion or solid tires.
Rider fork Trucks are included in Class V. These machines will have cabs and seated controls, pneumatic tires and internal combustion or IC engines. Similar to Class IV forklifts, they are typically counterbalanced. Class VI forklifts are tow tractor lifts which are designed for a sit-down rider. This particular class is supplied with electric or IC or internal combustion engines.
Finally, Class VII lift trucks are the ideal choice for use on rough terrain areas. They are a common feature in logging, agricultural and construction applications. Class VII forklifts include all burden carriers and employee carriers.