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 pick up 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. 9-43), which converts a forklift truck
tine assembly into a fork/boom assembly, for lifting and
transporting various loads.
Gasoline engines, electric motors, or diesel engines
power forklift trucks. 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
9-27
Figure 9-43.—Mk 91 Mod 0 adapter hook.
