Selecting the lift truck best suited for your needs

mast lift, the toP load will not hit overhead obstructions in the trailer. "Free lift" involves the ultimate load height reached when all mast fork elements are extended.

(3) Your next choice is between a counterbalanced truck (weights behind the driver) and a straddle truck (legs ahead of the driver). Both these systems provide stability while driving and lifting.

Counterbalanced trucks can operate over rough floors at relatively high speeds. With about 5" of underclearance, counterbalancdd trucks can negotiate dock boards with ease. They are rugged and built for abuse.

Straddle trucks, on the other hand, carry the load inside their wheel base; they're lighter and travel at slower sPeeds.

Straddle trucks are stable at high lifts and can .operate in verY narrow aisles - tyPicallY 7' ot 8' contrasted with 10' or 12' for a counterbalanced truck of the same capacity. Straddle trucks can be equipped with reach mechanisms which extend the carriage or mast to pick-up pallets off the toP of a stack where it is not possible to advance the straddles in under the load.

(4) Power. Do you want Your lift truck to be powered bY an internal combustion engine or bY a batterY? In general, internal combustion engines produce more torque and higher speed. If you have steeP ramps or are carrying loads long distances, gasoline, liquified petroleum gas, diesel engine trucks are favored, but theY emit some fumes.

Electric trucks, on the other hand, are.clean, quiet, and fumefree, and are usuallY Preferred where cleanliness is a requirement.

(5) Tires. Pneumatic tires cushion the ride and exert less pressure on the floor because of their larget surface coverage. This is an important consideration for vehicles operating out of doors, on unimproved surfaces, in mud or gravel, or indoors where floors are wet and slippery.

Solid tires, on the other hand, last longer and are more stable, especially in high stacking operations. Pneumatic trucks have longer wheel bases than trucks with solid tires because theY are usually less maneuverable than (Please turn to Page 43)

Story at a Glance

Eight factors to consider in making your lift truck choice' courtesy of the Allis Chalmers Corp. .. .. knowing what job needs to be done is a keY element in making the correct decision.