Forklifts are utilized to raise, engage and transfer palletized loads within warehousing, manufacturing, material handling, construction and mining applications. There are 3 main types of lift trucks: a motorized drive, fork truck and manual drive. The travel or load movement is powered manually or by walking behind 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 comfortable and safe. Fork trucks are another type that are motorized and include features like backup alarms and cabs. In order to prevent the equipment from overturning, several lift trucks are counterbalanced. Other types of forklifts consist of safety rails, a rotating element like a turntable or other kinds of hand rails.
Essential specifications to take into consideration when selecting forklifts consist of 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 comprise their type of fuel and tire.
Different fuel options for lift trucks consist of: LP or liquid propane, CNG or compressed natural gas, propane, diesel fuel, gasoline and natural gas. There are 2 basic kinds of tires utilized for operating fork trucks and forklifts: pneumatic and solid. Cushion or solid tires do not puncture and need less maintenance than pneumatic tires. The cushion or solid tires do offer less shock absorption in general. Air-inflated or pneumatic tires however offer excellent drive traction and load-cushioning.
There are 7 classes of forklifts. The first class of forklifts, Class I, is either seated or stand-up 3 wheeled units which are electric-motor rider trucks. Typically, rider units may 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 models provide extra reach functions or swing mast.
Forklift Class III lift trucks include walk-behind or standing-rider operated electric-motor trucks. High lift models and automated pallet lift trucks are often 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 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 forklifts are tow tractor lifts which are designed for a sit-down rider. This particular class is supplied with internal combustion or IC or electric engines.
Lastly, Class VII lift trucks are the ideal option 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.