Forklifts are utilized to raise, engage and transport palletized loads in manufacturing, warehousing, material handling, mining and construction applications. There are 3 main types of forklifts: a motorized drive, fork truck and manual drive. The travel or load movement is powered manually or by walking behind the equipment with manual-drive forklifts.
Motorized-drive model forklifts are equipped with a motorized drive. In a lot of instances, a protected cab or seat is part of the design in order to keep the operator comfortable and safe. Fork trucks are another kind which are motorized and include features like cabs and backup alarms. In order to prevent the machinery from tipping over, several forklifts are counterbalanced. Other models include safety rails, a rotating element like for instance a turntable or different kinds of hand rails.
When selecting forklifts, important specifications to take into account comprise stroke and lift capacity. Stroke is defined as the difference between the fully-raised and the fully-lowered lift positions. Lift capacity is the supportable, maximum load or forcforce or load. Other specifications for forklifts include their type of fuel and tire.
Different fuel options for lift trucks comprise: LP or liquid propane, compressed natural gas or CNG, propane, diesel fuel, gasoline and natural gas. There are 2 major types of tires for operating fork trucks and forklifts: pneumatic and solid. Cushion or solid tires do not puncture and require less maintenance compared to pneumatic tires. The cushion or solid tires do provide less shock absorption in general. Air-inflated or pneumatic tires on the other hand offer excellent load-cushioning and drive traction.
For lift trucks, there are 7 classes. Class 1 forklifts incorporate electric-motor rider trucks, seated or stand-up 3 wheeled units. Typically, rider units could have either cushion or pneumatic wheels and are counterbalanced. Class II lift trucks are electric motor units that are used for order picking or stock applications in narrow aisle environments. These models provide extra swing mast or reach functions.
Class III forklifts are either standing-rider or walk-behind operated electric-motor trucks. Automated pallet lift trucks and high lift models are often counterbalanced units. Class IV lift trucks have seated controls and cabs. These models are rider fork trucks with internal combustion or IC engines. In addition, this class uses solid or cushion tires.
Rider fork Trucks are incorporated in Class V. These machinery will have cabs and seated controls, pneumatic tires and IC or internal combustion engines. Similar to Class IV lift trucks, they are typically counterbalanced. Class VI lift trucks are tow tractor lifts which are designed for a sit-down rider. This class is supplied with internal combustion or IC or electric engines.
Lastly, Class VII lift trucks are the perfect option for use on rough terrain areas. They are a common feature in logging, agricultural and construction applications. Class VII lift trucks consist of all employee carriers and burden carriers.