Tire Types
Generally, cushion tires are solid tires which have no tread pattern. They are mostly designed to be utilized on smooth and solid surfaces, usually indoors. There are tread patterns available however, that are more suitable for various surface environments. The cushion tires are popular on smooth warehouse floors and in similar applications.
However, pneumatic tires require air and have been particularly made for outdoor use on loose surfaces and uneven ground. Pneumatic truck tires have higher ground clearance too. This raises the center of gravity of the forklift and really lessens its rated lift capacity. More often than not, pneumatic tires are used in rough terrain environments because of their ability to negotiate uneven surfaces in a smoother manner. Many agricultural or mining operations and construction sites depend on these tires in order to make sure the machine could travel as safe and carefully as possible.
Lift height and Lift Capacity
In order to determine the capacity of the vehicle needed, it is vital to understand the maximum weight and dimensions of the loads you will be handling. Furthermore, you will have to know the maximum fork height needed so as to rack or stack the loads. These factors, the load size as well as the lifting height, really affect the lift capacity of the truck. A bigger size load can move the center of gravity of the vehicle and change the load combination. This decreases the equipment's lifting capacity and affects the load being lifted and the height. Utilizing different types of attachments can also affect the truck's overall capacity.
Mast Options
On the market today are several different options of forklift masts. These include: single, double, triple and quad masts. The number indicated the amount of sections on the mast. In a variety of circumstances, you will not be required to make any choices since the lift height will dictate the kind of mast you will get, although, in trucks with very high lift heights, you can have a choice.