For businesses that raise and transport heavy materials and goods on a regular basis, there is probably no more effective or valuable machine as the lift truck. Lift trucks are a popular site in manufacturing plants, dockyards, distribution depots, lumber yards, warehouses and shipping and receiving, agriculture and other work places that need to handle loads ranging from 3000 to 30,000 plus pounds.
The forklift is utilized most frequently to keep the flow of operations running as efficiently and smoothly as possible. Even if forklifts are a huge investment, the amount of man hours they could save and the injuries they reduce from heavy lifting could make the purchase pay for itself in little time.
Available on the market today are numerous of different models from many different manufacturers. These different models are made specifically to deal with certain specific tasks. So as to make sure that you don't buy more than you need or the wrong kind of equipment, it is really vital to evaluate the requirements of your company and compare to the different units on the market. Talking to a licensed forklift distributor is a very good idea and so is doing your own research online.
When looking at forklifts by fuel type, the following types are available:
Electric: Electric forklifts utilize heavy, large, rechargeable batteries that are lead-acid based. These batteries are able to run for approximately 5 or 6 hours straight. Electric models are ideal for indoor applications due to their lack of emissions. They are a popular option for warehouses and retail spaces as they put zero emissions into the air where people are working and provide a fairly low cost per hour of operation.
Internal Combustion: Internal combustion forklifts operate with a variety of fuels. Some models take compressed natural gas or CNG, others take diesel, LP or liquid propane or gasoline. In comparison to electric forklifts, the internal combustion or IC models could carry heavier loads, accelerate faster and are easier to refuel. These models are usually more pricey to utilize compared to their electric counterparts.
Fuel Cell: Hydrogen fuel cell lift trucks are the latest in forklift technology. These models provide the fast refueling capability of an IC unit but offer the quietness and zero emissions of electric forklifts.
There are a variety of outdoor Nissan models which provide synchronized steering. This particular feature automatically returns the wheel knob to the original position after the completion of a turn. Outfitted with solid pneumatic tires to offer a comfortable ride both outdoors and indoors, these tires are more resistant to both damage and wear.