Lift trucks are utilized within manufacturing, warehousing, material handling, construction and mining applications to raise, engage and transport palletized loads. Forklifts have 3 main types: a fork truck, manual drive and motorized drive. The load movement or travel is powered manually or by walking behind the machinery with manual-drive forklifts.
Motorized-drive model lift trucks are equipped with a motorized drive. In a lot of instances, a protected cab or seat is part of the design to keep the operator comfortable and safe. Fork trucks are a different type that are motorized and comprise features like for instance cabs and backup alarms. In order to prevent the vehicle from overturning, some forklifts are counterbalanced. Other models include safety rails, a rotating element such as a turntable or other types of hand rails.
Essential 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. Additional specifications for lift trucks comprise their type of fuel and tire.
Different fuel options for forklifts consist of: liquid propane or LPG, CNG or compressed natural gas, propane, diesel fuel, gasoline and natural gas. There are 2 basic types of tires for operating fork trucks and forklifts: pneumatic and solid. Solid or cushion tires do not puncture and need less maintenance than pneumatic tires. The cushion or solid tires do provide less shock absorption in general. Pneumatic or air-inflated tires however provide excellent load-cushioning and drive traction.
For forklifts, there are 7 classes. Class 1 forklifts incorporate electric-motor rider trucks, stand-up or seated 3 wheeled units. Typically, rider units may have either pneumatic or cushion wheels and are counterbalanced. Class II lift trucks are electric motor units that are utilized for stock applications or order picking in narrow aisle environments. These types of forklifts offer 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 usually counterbalanced units. Class IV lift trucks have cabs and seated controls. These models are rider fork trucks with IC or internal combustion engines. In addition, this class has solid or cushion tires.
Class V forklifts are rider fork trucks. They have cabs and seated controls, pneumatic tires and internal combustion or IC engines. Like Class IV forklifts, they are usually 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 forklifts 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 personnel carriers.