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Forklifts (fork lifts) are used to engage, lift and transfer palletized loads in material handling, warehousing, manufacturing, and construction applications. There are three basic types: manual drive, motorized drive, and fork truck. With manual-drive forklifts, the load movement or travel is manually powered or walk-behind. Motorized-drive forklifts have a motorized drive and, in many cases, a protected cab or seat for the driver. Fork trucks are also motorized, but include features such as cabs and backup alarms. Some forklifts are counterbalanced to prevent the vehicle from overturning. Others include hand rails, safety rails, or a rotating element such as a turntable. Truck-mounted forklifts are mounted or mountable on the back or bed of a utility truck. These vehicles include truck-included packages as well as lifts that are sold independently for subsequent mounting.
Lift capacity and stroke are important specifications to consider when selecting forklifts. Lift capacity is the maximum, supportable force or load. Stroke is the difference between the fully-lowered and fully-raised lift positions. Additional specifications for forklifts include fuel type and tire type. Fuel choices include electricity, liquid propane (LP), natural gas, compressed natural gas (CNG), propane, gasoline, and diesel fuel. There are two basic tire types for forklifts and fork trucks: pneumatic and solid. Pneumatic or air-inflated tires provide great load-cushioning and drive traction. Solid or cushion tires do not puncture and require less maintenance than pneumatic tires; however, solid or cushion tires offer less shock absorption.
There are five classes of forklifts. Class I forklifts are electric-motor rider trucks, either stand-up operator or seated three-wheel units. Rider units are counterbalanced and may have cushion or pneumatic wheels. Class II forklifts are electric-motor trucks for narrow aisle or inventory stock/order picking applications. They may have extra reach or swing-mast functions. Class III forklifts are electric-motor trucks, either walk-behind or standing-rider operated. Automated pallet lift-trucks and high lift models are often counterbalanced. Class IV forklifts are rider fork trucks, with cabs and seated controls, internal combustion engines, and solid or "cushion" tires. Class V forklifts are rider fork trucks, with cabs and seated controls, internal combustion engines, and pneumatic tires. Like Class IV forklifts, they are typically counterbalanced. Class VI forklifts are sit-down rider, tow tractor lifts. They are supplied with electric or internal combustion engines. Class VII forklifts are designed for use on rough terrain. Typical applications include agriculture, logging and construction. Class VIII forklifts include all personnel and burden carriers.
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