Lift trucks are used to raise, engage and transfer palletized loads within manufacturing, warehousing, material handling, mining and construction applications. There are 3 main types of forklifts: a manual drive, motorized drive and fork truck. The travel or load movement is powered manually or by walking behind the machine with manual-drive lift trucks.
Motorized-drive model lift trucks are equipped with a motorized drive. In many instances, a seat or protected cab is part of the design in order to keep the operator comfortable and safe. Fork trucks are a different type that are motorized and consist of features like backup alarms and cabs. In order to prevent the machinery from turning over, some forklifts are counterbalanced. Other models comprise safety rails, a rotating element like a turntable or different kinds of hand rails.
Important specifications to take into account when selecting forklifts comprise 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. Additional specifications for lift trucks comprise their tire and type of fuel.
Different fuel options for lift trucks consist of: LP or liquid propane, compressed natural gas or CNG, propane, diesel fuel, natural gas and gasoline. There are 2 basic types of tires for operating forklifts and fork trucks: pneumatic and solid. Cushion or solid tires require less maintenance compared to pneumatic tires and do not puncture. The solid or cushion tires do offer less shock absorption in general. Pneumatic or air-inflated tires however provide excellent drive traction and load-cushioning.
For forklifts, there are 7 classes. Class 1 lift trucks incorporate electric-motor rider trucks, seated or stand-up 3 wheeled units. Normally, rider units are counterbalanced and can have either pneumatic or cushion wheels. Class II forklifts are electric motor units which are used for order picking or stock applications in narrow aisle setting. These models provide extra swing mast or reach functions.
Class III forklifts are either standing-rider or walk-behind operated electric-motor trucks. Automated pallet lift trucks and high lift models are normally counterbalanced units. Class IV forklifts have seated controls and cabs. These models are rider fork trucks with IC or internal combustion engines. In addition, this class uses cushion or solid tires.
Rider fork Trucks are included in Class V. These machines will have cabs and seated controls, pneumatic tires and IC or internal combustion engines. Similar to Class IV lift trucks, they are usually counterbalanced. Class VI forklifts are tow tractor lifts which are designed for a sit-down rider. This class is supplied with internal combustion or IC or electric engines.
Lastly, Class VII forklifts are the perfect option for use on rough terrain areas. They are a common feature in construction, logging and agricultural applications. Class VII lift trucks consist of all employee carriers and burden carriers.