Tire Types
Normally, cushion tires are solid tires which have no tread pattern. They are mainly made to be utilized on smooth and solid surfaces, usually indoors. There are tread patterns available though, that are more suitable for different surface environments. The cushion tires are popular on smooth warehouse floors and in similar applications.
Pneumatic tires on the other hand would need air and are made specifically for loose surfaces on uneven ground. The pneumatic tire provides a higher ground clearance over solid tires. This raises the center of gravity of the forklift and greatly lessens its rated lift capacity. Most often, pneumatic tires are used in rough terrain surroundings due to their ability to negotiate uneven surfaces in a smoother fashion. Many mining or agricultural operations and construction sites depend on these tires in order to make sure the machine is able to travel as carefully and safe as possible.
Lift height and Lift Capacity
It is essential to know the maximum weight and dimensions of the loads you will be handling in order to determine the capacity of the vehicle needed. Moreover, you must know the maximum fork height needed to be able to stack or rack the loads. These factors, the load size and the lifting height, really affect the truck's lifting capacity. A larger size load could move the center of gravity of the vehicle and change the load combination. This reduces the lifting capacity of the machine as well as affects the height and the load being lifted. Utilizing different types of attachments could also affect the truck's overall capacity.
Mast Options
On the market today are various options of forklift masts. These comprise: quad, triple, double and single 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 because the lift height would dictate the type of mast you would get, although, in trucks with very high lift heights, you could have an option.