Forklift

What is a FORKLIFT?

It is a powered industrial truck used to lift and transport materials by means of steel forks inserted under the load. it is most commonly used to move loads stored on pallets.


Characteristics of a FORKLIFT

A typical forklift may be generally described as follows:

- An LPG, gasoline or diesel fueled internal combustion engine, or an electric motor(s) either Direct Current or Alternatinig Current powered by either a battery or fuel cells.

- The mast, which is the vertical assembly that does the raising, lowering and tilting the load.

- The carriage, which comprises flat metal plate(s) and is movved along the mast either by mean of chains, or directly attached to the hydraulic cylinder.

- A load back rest is fitted when the load is higher than the top of the carriage.

- A driver's overhead guard that protects the operator from any falling objects

- The cab, which may contain a seat for the operator, along with the control pedals, steering wheel, levers and switches for controlling the machine.

- Counterbalance machine have a counterweight, necessary to compensate for the load.

/

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 carrier.