Lift trucks are utilized to raise, engage and transport palletized loads within warehousing, manufacturing, material handling, construction and mining applications. There are 3 basic kinds of forklifts: a manual drive, motorized drive and fork truck. The load movement or travel is powered manually or by walking at the rear of the equipment with manual-drive forklifts.
The motorized forklift models come equipped with a motorized drive and in numerous cases have a protected cab or seat in their design to keep the operator comfortable and safe. Fork trucks are another type which are motorized and include features like for instance backup alarms and cabs. In order to prevent the machinery from overturning, some lift trucks are counterbalanced. Other models comprise safety rails, a rotating element like for instance a turntable or different types of hand rails.
Essential specifications to take into consideration when selecting lift trucks 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. Additional specifications for forklifts include their tire and fuel type.
Forklifts include various fuel options such as: LP or liquid propane, CNG or compressed natural gas, diesel fuel, propane, gasoline and natural gas. There are 2 major types of tires for operating fork trucks and forklifts: pneumatic and solid. Solid or cushion tires do not puncture and require less maintenance than pneumatic tires. The solid or cushion tires do offer less shock absorption in general. Pneumatic or air-inflated tires however offer excellent drive traction and load-cushioning.
For forklifts, there are 7 classes. Class 1 forklifts incorporate electric-motor rider trucks, stand-up or seated 3 wheeled units. Normally, rider units can have either cushion or pneumatic wheels and are counterbalanced. Class II lift trucks are electric motor units that are utilized for order picking or stock applications in narrow aisle environments. These kinds of forklifts offer extra swing mast or reach functions.
Forklift Class III lift trucks include 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 types of forklifts are rider fork trucks with internal combustion or IC engines. In addition, this class uses cushion or solid tires.
Class V lift trucks are rider fork trucks. They have seated controls and cabs, 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 that are designed for a sit-down rider. This particular class is supplied with electric or IC or internal combustion engines.
Lastly, Class VII forklifts are the ideal choice for use on rough terrain areas. They are a common feature in logging, agricultural and construction applications. Class VII forklifts consist of all personnel carriers and burden carriers.