Lift trucks are utilized in manufacturing, warehousing, construction, mining and material handling applications to lift, engage and transfer palletized loads. Forklifts have 3 main types: a motorized drive, fork truck and manual drive. The travel or load movement is powered manually or by walking behind the machinery with manual-drive forklifts.
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 another type that are motorized and comprise features like for instance backup alarms and cabs. In order to prevent the machine from overturning, some forklifts 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 account when choosing lift trucks consist of 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. Other specifications for forklifts consist of their type of fuel and tire.
Different fuel options for forklifts include: LP or liquid propane, CNG or compressed natural gas, diesel fuel, propane, gasoline and natural gas. There are 2 basic kinds of tires used 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 on the other hand offer great drive traction and load-cushioning.
For forklifts, there are 7 classes. Class 1 forklifts include electric-motor rider trucks, stand-up or seated 3 wheeled units. Normally, rider units are counterbalanced and may have either pneumatic or cushion wheels. Class II lift trucks are electric motor units that are used for stock applications or order picking in narrow aisle environments. These models provide extra swing mast or reach functions.
Forklift Class III lift trucks include walk-behind or standing-rider 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 internal combustion or IC engines. Moreover, this class utilizes 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. Similar to Class IV forklifts, they are usually counterbalanced. Class VI forklifts are tow tractor lifts that are designed for a sit-down rider. This class is supplied with electric or IC or internal combustion engines.
Finally, Class VII lift trucks are the perfect option for use on rough terrain areas. They are a common feature in construction, logging and agricultural applications. Class VII forklifts include all personnel carriers and burden carriers.