Gasoline- or diesel-powered trucks are equipped
with exhaust system spark arresting devices. These
devices help ensure safe operation of the trucks in
areas where there is danger of fire or explosion
caused by sparks. These vehicles must meet rigid
mechanical and safety inspections. Do not use
vehicles that don’t meet the minimum established
inspection and safety criteria in ordnance handling
evolutions.
FORKLIFT TRUCKS
The forklift truck is a mobile four-wheel or
three-wheel unit that lets one person pick up, transport,
and lift the load to different heights. The forklift truck
is designed on the cantilever principle. The front wheels
act as a fulcrum. The load is counterbalanced because
the weight of the truck is directly behind the front
wheels.
The forklift truck has two fork tines secured to the
supporting frame. Both tines and the supporting frame
are located in the front of the truck. The tines are
moved vertically on the supporting frame by a
hydraulic lift. The supporting frame may be either
telescoping (to provide greater lift) or nontelescoping.
The tines and supporting frame can be tilted forward
from the vertical position to pickup the load. The
frame can be tilted backward from a vertical position to
help balance the load. The tines can also be fitted with
an adapter hook, Mk 91 Mod 0 (fig. 9-50), which
converts a forklift truck tine assembly into a fork/
boom assembly, for lifting and transporting various
loads.
Forklift trucks are powered by gasoline engines,
electric motors, or diesel engines. The electric motor or
diesel engine forklift trucks are normally used during
ordnance evolutions. Forklift trucks are equipped with
braking systems and with either automobile- or
lever-type steering mechanisms. Forklift trucks have
solid rubber cushion tires for use over smooth and
hard surfaces, such as paved roads, magazine and
warehouse floors, and piers. Pneumatic tires are used
for rough and uneven terrain, in mud, or over soft, sandy
ground.
Diesel Engine Forklift Trucks
A wide variety of diesel engine forklift trucks are
available for use throughout the Navy. They range from
a 4,000-pound capacity to a 20,000-pound capacity.
Figure 9-50.—Mk 91 Mod 0 adapter hook.
9-33
