Forklifts are utilized to raise, engage and transport palletized loads in warehousing, manufacturing, material handling, mining and construction applications. There are 3 basic types of lift trucks: a motorized drive, fork truck and manual drive. The load movement or travel is powered manually or by walking behind the machine with manual-drive forklifts.
Motorized-drive model lift trucks are equipped with a motorized drive. In many instances, a seat or protected cab is part of the design to keep the operator comfortable and safe. Fork trucks are a different type that are motorized and consist of features such as backup alarms and cabs. In order to prevent the machine from overturning, some lift trucks are counterbalanced. Other models comprise safety rails, a rotating element such as a turntable or different kinds of hand rails.
Essential specifications to take into consideration when choosing forklifts include lift capacity and stroke. Stroke is defined as the difference between the fully-raised and the fully-lowered lift positions. Lift capacity is the maximum, supportable load or forcforce or load. Additional specifications for forklifts comprise their tire and type of fuel.
Different fuel options for forklifts include: LP or liquid propane, compressed natural gas or CNG, 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 need less maintenance than pneumatic tires and do not puncture. The solid or cushion tires do offer less shock absorption in general. Air-inflated or pneumatic tires however offer excellent drive traction and load-cushioning.
For forklifts, there are 7 classes. Class 1 forklifts include electric-motor rider trucks, seated or stand-up 3 wheeled units. Typically, rider units are counterbalanced and could have either pneumatic or cushion wheels. Class II lift trucks are electric motor units that are utilized for order picking or stock applications in narrow aisle setting. These kinds of forklifts offer extra reach functions or swing mast.
Class III forklifts are either standing-rider or walk-behind 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. Additionally, this class has cushion or solid tires.
Rider fork Trucks are included in Class V. These machines will 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 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.
Class VII forklifts are the last classification and include rough terrain lift trucks, that are normally used in construction, logging and agricultural applications. Class VII forklifts include all burden carriers and employee carriers.