Komatsu

Lift trucks are used to lift, engage and transport palletized loads within manufacturing, warehousing, material handling, mining and construction applications. There are 3 basic kinds of lift trucks: a manual drive, motorized drive and fork truck. The travel or load movement is powered manually or by walking at the back of the machine with manual-drive lift trucks.

Motorized-drive model lift trucks are complete with a motorized drive. In many instances, a protected cab or seat is part of the design in order to keep the operator comfortable and safe. Fork trucks are another kind that are motorized and consist of features like for instance backup alarms and cabs. In order to prevent the machinery from overturning, several forklifts are counterbalanced. Other models comprise safety rails, a rotating element such as a turntable or different types of hand rails.

Essential specifications to take into consideration when selecting forklifts 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 maximum, supportable load or forcforce or load. Additional specifications for forklifts include their tire and fuel type.

Different fuel options for forklifts consist of: LP or liquid propane, compressed natural gas or CNG, diesel fuel, propane, natural gas and gasoline. There are 2 major types of tires for operating forklifts and fork trucks: pneumatic and solid. Solid or cushion tires do not puncture and need less maintenance than pneumatic tires. The solid or cushion tires do provide less shock absorption in general. Pneumatic or air-inflated tires on the other hand provide great load-cushioning and drive traction.

There are 7 classes of forklifts. The first class of forklifts, Class I, is either seated or stand-up 3 wheeled units that are electric-motor rider trucks. Usually, rider units can have either pneumatic or cushion wheels and are counterbalanced. Class II forklifts are electric motor units that are used for stock applications or order picking in narrow aisle environments. These models offer extra reach functions or swing mast.

Class III forklifts are either walk-behind or standing-rider operated electric-motor trucks. High lift models and automated pallet lift trucks are often counterbalanced units. Class IV forklifts have seated controls and cabs. These kinds of forklifts are rider fork trucks with internal combustion or IC engines. Additionally, this class utilizes cushion or solid tires.

Class V forklifts are rider fork trucks. They have seated controls and cabs, pneumatic tires and IC or internal combustion engines. Like Class IV lift trucks, they are usually counterbalanced. Class VI lift trucks are tow tractor lifts which are designed for a sit-down rider. This particular class is supplied with internal combustion or IC or electric engines.

Finally, Class VII forklifts are the ideal option for use on rough terrain areas. They are a common feature in logging, agricultural and construction applications. Class VII lift trucks include all burden carriers and personnel carriers.

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Forklift Parts