Forklift Trucks

Forklift Trucks

Forklift trucks are small vehicles used to lift and move large loads with a pronged attachment jutting out of the front or side. They are widely used in warehouses, construction sites and manufacturing facilities for loading, storage and transportation applications. To move loads, forklift trucks insert the prongs underneath the pallet, which is then raised above the ground by a mast. Forklifts are powered electrically, hydraulically or with internal combustion motors, and are either made for indoor our outdoor applications. Each truck has a lift capacity, that is, the maximum supportable load weight, and either pneumatic or solid tires. For safety reasons, hand rails, safety rails and rotating turntables are often installed on forklifts to provide counterbalancing and prevent tipping over.

There are eight classes of forklift trucks. Class I are electric-motor trucks that are either stand-up or seated 3-wheel trucks. Class II trucks are also electric and are able to maneuver in more narrow aisles than standard trucks. Class III are hand trucks, which are walk-behind or standing-rider. Class IV are powered by an internal combustion motor with cushion tires, while class V also has internal combustion motors but pneumatic tires. Class VI are sit-down rider trucks with tow tractor lifts. They can be powered a number of different ways. Class VII, called rough terrain trucks, are for outdoor use on uneven ground. They are used in the agriculture, logging and construction industries. Finally, Class VIII includes all personnel and burden carrier trucks. Other types include very narrow aisle forklift trucks, which are a smaller version of narrow aisle forklifts and sideloaders, which have their forks on the side instead of the front.