Forklifts are utilized in warehousing, manufacturing, construction, mining and material handling applications to raise, engage and transfer palletized loads. Forklifts have 3 basic types: a manual drive, motorized drive and fork truck. 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 safe and comfortable. Fork trucks are a different kind which are motorized and include features like for example cabs and backup alarms. In order to prevent the machinery from overturning, several forklifts are counterbalanced. Other models include safety rails, a rotating element like for example a turntable or other types of hand rails.
When selecting lift trucks, important specifications to take into account include lift capacity and stroke. Stroke is defined as the difference between the fully-lowered and the fully-raised lift positions. Lift capacity is the maximum, supportable load or forcforce or load. Other specifications for lift trucks consist of their type of fuel and tire.
Different fuel options for lift trucks include: LP or liquid propane, CNG or compressed natural gas, propane, diesel fuel, natural gas and gasoline. There are 2 major types of tires utilized for operating forklifts and fork trucks: pneumatic and solid. Solid or cushion tires do not puncture and need less maintenance compared to pneumatic tires. The cushion or solid tires do provide less shock absorption overall. Pneumatic or air-inflated tires however offer great drive traction and load-cushioning.
For lift trucks, 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 cushion or pneumatic wheels. Class II lift trucks are electric motor units which are used for order picking or stock applications in narrow aisle setting. These models offer extra reach functions or swing mast.
Class III lift trucks are either standing-rider or walk-behind operated electric-motor trucks. Automated pallet lift trucks and high lift models are often counterbalanced units. Class IV forklifts have seated controls and cabs. These models are rider fork trucks with internal combustion or IC engines. Furthermore, this class utilizes solid or cushion tires.
Rider fork Trucks are included in Class V. These machines would have seated controls and cabs, pneumatic tires and internal combustion or IC engines. Similar to Class IV forklifts, they are usually counterbalanced. Class VI lift trucks are tow tractor lifts which are designed for a sit-down rider. This class is supplied with electric or IC or internal combustion engines.
Lastly, Class VII forklifts are the ideal option for use on rough terrain areas. They are a common feature in construction, logging and agricultural applications. Class VII forklifts include all employee carriers and burden carriers.