Tire Types
Usually, cushion tires are solid tires which have no tread pattern. They are mainly made to be used on smooth and solid surfaces, usually indoors. There are tread patterns available however, which are more suitable for various surface environments. The cushion tires are common on smooth warehouse floors and in similar applications.
Pneumatic tires on the other hand would require air and are made specially for loose surfaces on uneven ground. The pneumatic tire provides a higher ground clearance over solid tires. This raises the forklift's center of gravity and greatly lessens its rated lift capacity. Most often, pneumatic tires are used in rough terrain environments because of their ability to navigate uneven surfaces in a smoother manner. Many mining or agricultural applications and construction sites depend on these tires so as to make certain the machine can travel as carefully and safe as possible.
Lift Capacity and Lift Height
In order to determine the capacity of the vehicle needed, it is important to understand the maximum weight and dimensions of the loads you will be handling. As well, you should know the maximum fork height required in order to rack or stack the loads. These factors, the load size and the lifting height, greatly 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 load being lifted and the height. Using various types of attachments can also affect the truck's overall capacity.
Mast Options
On the market nowadays are several different choices of forklift masts. These consist of: single, double, triple and quad masts. The number indicated the amount of sections on the mast. In different circumstances, you would not be required to make any choices as the lift height would dictate the kind of mast you will get, although, in trucks with really high lift heights, you may have an option.