Forklifts Information

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Forklift trucks by Konecranes are built to get the job done as efficiently and cost-effectively as possible.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.

  • Fork trucks - Also motorized, but include features such as cabs and backup alarms.
  • Manual-drive forklifts - The load movement or travel is manually powered or walk-behind.
  • Motorized-drive forklifts - These have a motorized drive and, in many cases, a protected cab or seat for the driver.

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.

Forklift Classes

There are eight different 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.

Specifications

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
  • Diesel fuel

Savant fork AGVs cover a wide range of configurations and capacities. Standard capacities range from 1,200 to 4,000 lbs.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.

Standards

A-A-58067 - Truck, lift, fork, diesel-engine-driven, pneumatic-tired, 15,000 pounds capacity at 24 inch load center

A-A-58068 - Truck, lift, fork, electric, sit down, solid tires, 6000 pound capacity at 24 inch load center, 180 inch minimum lift height

A-A-58069 -  Truck, lift, fork, electric, order selector, high lift rider, 3000 pound capacity, 193 inch minimum lift

Image credits:

Konecranes Inc. | Savant Automation, Inc.


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