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When talking about fork lifts, you usually center around two main specifications. The vehicle's lift capacity and its vertical lift travel. The lift capacity bears reference to the maximum load that the lift can accommodate; while the vertical lift travel expresses the distance between the lift in the totally raised and lowered positions.

Forklifts can be grouped into five classes:

Class 1: Three wheeled unit powered by and electric motor. Operator can be in the seated or standing position (sit-down units are counterbalanced.) Class 1 lift trucks can be fitted with cushion or pneumatic tires.

Class 2: These are powered by an electric motor this class of truck is suited to narrow isle work typical of inventory shuffling. There is the option of installing extra reach/swing mast applications.

Class 3: Also powered by an electric motor this class usually has the operator "walk behind" it or alternatively is operated while in the standing position. Both the high lift and automated pallet models are counterbalanced.

Class 4: This counterbalanced class of forklift has a cab with controls and runs on an internal combustion engine. The tires are most often cushioned or solid.

Class 5: This counterbalanced class of lift truck has a cab built to sit a driver, and is powered by an internal combustion engine. The whole vehicle is mounted on pneumatic tires.

You also have different types of "tired" lifts. They are normally classed as a "cushion tire", "pneumatic tire" or "solid-pneumatic tire".

The cushion tire is basically a thin piece of rubber on a rim that is used primarily on smaller forklifts that are used in warehouses and on smooth, flat surfaces. This kind of tire isn't recommended on a forklift that is going to be used outside on rough ground.

The pneumatic tire is made up just like a normal vehicle tire. Although it's outer shell is a thicker rubber, it's got air inside. This kind of tire will allow you to go on regular outside terrain as well as inside. The only downside to this type tire is that it can be punctured just as a normal tire can.

The solid-pneumatic tire is close to the same size as a regular pneumatic. The only difference is this type of tire has a very thick layer of solid rubber around the outer tire. It only has enough of an air pocket deep inside the tire to provide the fork lift with a reasonable amount of ride but overall, this type of tire will not puncture or leak down. Sometimes it may have a sandy or spongy material on the inner core which only further strengthens it's lifespan. This tire is highly recommended for outside use where you have sharp objects all around.

I'll post back later to explain the differences between electric and gas powered forklifts.

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