The truck consists of an aluminum body, a steel steering post, and a lift mechanism. A reversible ratchet is operated to raise/lower the lift mechanism manually. The mechanism has amounting pin and a lift-arm angle

^{to engage the load.}

Figure 2-50.-Mk 45 Mod 1 handlift truck.

Figure 2-51.-Handling a Mk 372 container with Mk 45 handlift trucks with Mk 26 handlift truck adapters.

Figure 2-52.-Mk 26 Mod 2 handlift truck adapter.

The truck is guided by moving the steering post (or tow bar). Steering may be accomplished with the post in either a horizontal or "latched up" (near vertical) position. The wheel brakes must be released to permit steering. Each wheel has its own brake assembly. Both assemblies are controlled through a common linkage connected to the handle grips. The brakes release when the handle grips are rotated and held at their full forward position.

The lifting surface of the truck is its single lift-arm angle. The angle engages a bracket on a container,

cradle, skid, or special adapter device. The mounting pin serves as a guide pin. It engages a recess on Mk 183 ASROC containers (only). The pin is not a lifting surface. The ratchet handle will raise/lower the lift arm about 8 inches.

A Mk 26 Mod 2 handlift truck adapter (fig. 2-52) can be attached to the front of the Mk 45 handlift truck The adapter makes the handlift truck compatible with various container loads. Pads prevent metal-to-metal contact between the adapter and a container. Two lower arms fit into the lifting or handling eyes of the various containers described earlier. The Mk 372 and Mk 632 containers can be moved using two handlift trucks with adapters.

The Mk 160 Mods O and 1 handlift truck adapters (fig. 2-53) are used to handle Mk 13, Mk 15, and Mk 19 VLS canisters. It also empties canisters Mk 14 and Mk 21. The handlift truck adapter attaches to the handlift truck; two handlift trucks with adapters are required to move a canister.

FORKLIFT TRUCK.- Aforklift truck (fig. 2-54) is a mobile three- or four-wheel automotive unit. It enables one individual to pickup a load, transport, and lift it to various heights. The truck is designed on the cantilever principle. The load is counterbalanced by the weight of the truck in back of the center of the front wheels. The front wheels act as the fulcrum or center of balance.

The truck has a two-tine fork which is secured to the supporting frame. The tines can be moved vertically, frontward and backward, or tilted by a mechanical or hydraulic lift. This flexibility aids in picking up and balancing the load.

Figure 2-53.-Mk 160 Mods 0 & 1 VLS handlift truck adapters.

Figure 2-54.-Typical front-loading forklift truck.

Forklift trucks used to handle ordnance may be powered by diesel engines or by a battery-powered electric motor. A mechanical or hydraulic braking system can be used. The steering system may be an automobile- or lever-type mechanism. Pneumatic tires are provided for use over rough and uneven terrains. They are also used in muddy or soft, sandy ground. Solid rubber, cushion-type tires are used over smooth and hard surfaces. These areas include paved roads, magazine and warehouse floors, and pier areas,

Battery-electric forklift trucks are either spark-enclosed or explosion-proofed. They provide safe operation in atmospheres with explosive mixtures of air and flammable gases, vapors, or dust. Spark-enclosed trucks ensure that no flame or sparks from arcing generators, motors, or switches escape to the atmosphere. Explosion-proof trucks are of a heavy steel, fully enclosed construction. They are designed to contain an internal explosion completely. Additionally, a constant flow of air is forced over the stowage batteries to dilute/diffuse any emitted battery gases. The exhaust

systems of diesel-powered trucks have spark-arresting devices. This device permits safe operation in areas where exhaust sparks could be a danger.

The capacity of a forklift truck is its most important characteristic. It governs the maximum weight of a load that can be counterbalanced safely. Other important characteristics include such items as maximum lift height, minimum turning radius, range of tilt, and travel speeds.

In missile-handling operations, a forklift truck is an extremely important and necessary piece of equipment. Only trained and qualified personnel are permitted to drive forklift trucks.