Lift trucks are utilized within warehousing, manufacturing, construction, mining and material handling applications to raise, engage and transfer palletized loads. Lift trucks have 3 main kinds: a manual drive, motorized drive and fork truck. The load movement or travel is powered manually or by walking behind the machinery with manual-drive lift trucks.
Motorized-drive model forklifts are complete with a motorized drive. In many instances, a protected cab or seat is part of the design to keep the operator comfortable and safe. Fork trucks are a different type which are motorized and comprise features like backup alarms and cabs. In order to prevent the machinery from overturning, several forklifts are counterbalanced. Other models include safety rails, a rotating element such as a turntable or other kinds of hand rails.
When choosing forklifts, essential specifications to take into account 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 lift trucks consist of their tire and type of fuel.
Different fuel options for lift trucks include: LP or liquid propane, CNG or compressed natural gas, diesel fuel, propane, gasoline and natural gas. There are 2 basic kinds of tires utilized for operating fork trucks and forklifts: solid and pneumatic. Solid or cushion tires need less maintenance than pneumatic tires and do not puncture. The cushion or solid tires do provide less shock absorption overall. Pneumatic or air-inflated tires on the other hand provide excellent load-cushioning and drive traction.
For forklifts, there are 7 classes. Class 1 forklifts incorporate electric-motor rider trucks, seated or stand-up 3 wheeled units. Normally, rider units are counterbalanced and could have either cushion or pneumatic wheels. Class II lift trucks are electric motor units which are utilized for stock applications or order picking in narrow aisle environments. These models offer extra swing mast or reach functions.
Forklift Class III lift trucks include walk-behind or standing-rider 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 internal combustion or IC engines. Additionally, this class has cushion or solid tires.
Rider fork Trucks are incorporated in Class V. These equipment would have seated controls and cabs, 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 particular class is supplied with electric or IC or internal combustion engines.
Lastly, Class VII lift trucks are the ideal choice for use on rough terrain areas. They are a common feature in construction, logging and agricultural applications. Class VII forklifts include all burden carriers and employee carriers.