Forklifts are utilized to lift, engage and transport palletized loads within warehousing, manufacturing, material handling, mining and construction applications. There are 3 basic types of forklifts: a manual drive, motorized drive and fork truck. The travel or load movement is powered manually or by walking at the back of the machine with manual-drive forklifts.
Motorized-drive model lift trucks are equipped with a motorized drive. In numerous 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 which are motorized and comprise features like for example backup alarms and cabs. In order to prevent the machinery from turning over, some lift trucks are counterbalanced. Other models include safety rails, a rotating element like a turntable or other 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 maximum, supportable load or forcforce or load. Other specifications for lift trucks comprise their fuel type and tire.
Different fuel options for forklifts consist of: LP or liquid propane, compressed natural gas or CNG, propane, diesel fuel, gasoline and natural gas. There are 2 basic types of tires used for operating fork trucks and forklifts: solid and pneumatic. Cushion or solid tires do not puncture and require less maintenance compared to pneumatic tires. The cushion or solid tires do provide less shock absorption in general. Air-inflated or pneumatic tires however provide excellent drive traction and load-cushioning.
There are 7 classes of lift trucks. The first class of lift trucks, Class I, is either seated or stand-up 3 wheeled units which are electric-motor rider trucks. Normally, rider units are counterbalanced and could have either cushion or pneumatic wheels. Class II forklifts are electric motor units that are used for order picking or stock applications in narrow aisle environments. These models provide extra swing mast or reach functions.
Class III lift trucks 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 cabs and seated controls. These models are rider fork trucks with IC or internal combustion engines. Moreover, this class has cushion or solid tires.
Class V lift trucks are rider fork trucks. They have cabs and seated controls, pneumatic tires and internal combustion or IC engines. Like Class IV forklifts, they are normally counterbalanced. Class VI forklifts are tow tractor lifts which are designed for a sit-down rider. This class is supplied with electric or IC or internal combustion engines.
Class VII lift trucks are the last classification and include rough terrain lift trucks, which are commonly used in construction, logging and agricultural applications. Class VII forklifts include all burden carriers and personnel carriers.