Forklifts are utilized in manufacturing, warehousing, mining, material handling and construction applications to raise, engage and transport palletized loads. Forklifts have 3 main kinds: a fork truck, manual drive and motorized drive. The load movement or travel is powered manually or by walking at the rear of the machine with manual-drive lift trucks.
Motorized-drive model forklifts are equipped with a motorized drive. In many instances, a seat or protected cab is part of the design in order to keep the operator safe and comfortable. Fork trucks are another kind that are motorized and include features such as cabs and backup alarms. In order to prevent the equipment from overturning, several lift trucks are counterbalanced. Other models comprise safety rails, a rotating element like for example a turntable or other kinds of hand rails.
Important specifications to take into account when selecting forklifts comprise lift capacity and stroke. 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 consist of their type of fuel and tire.
Forklifts consist of different fuel options such as: LP or liquid propane, CNG or compressed natural gas, diesel fuel, propane, natural gas and gasoline. There are 2 major types of tires used for operating forklifts and fork trucks: pneumatic and solid. Cushion or solid tires do not puncture and require less maintenance than pneumatic tires. The cushion or solid tires do offer less shock absorption overall. Air-inflated or pneumatic tires however provide excellent drive traction and load-cushioning.
For lift trucks, there are 7 classes. Class 1 forklifts include electric-motor rider trucks, stand-up or seated 3 wheeled units. Usually, 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 setting. These types of forklifts provide extra swing mast or reach functions.
Forklift Class III lift trucks consist of walk-behind or standing-rider operated electric-motor trucks. High lift models and automated pallet lift trucks are usually counterbalanced units. Class IV forklifts have seated controls and cabs. These models are rider fork trucks with internal combustion or IC engines. In addition, this class utilizes cushion or solid tires.
Class V forklifts are rider fork trucks. They have seated controls and cabs, pneumatic tires and internal combustion or IC engines. Like Class IV forklifts, they are usually counterbalanced. Class VI lift trucks are tow tractor lifts which are designed for a sit-down rider. This class is supplied with electric or IC or internal combustion engines.
Finally, Class VII forklifts are the ideal choice for use on rough terrain areas. They are a common feature in agricultural, construction and logging applications. Class VII forklifts include all burden carriers and employee carriers.