For companies that lift and transport heavy supplies and merchandise on a regular basis, there is probably no more valuable or effective machinery as the forklift. Forklifts are a popular site in dockyards, manufacturing plants, lumber yards, distribution depots, warehouses and shipping and receiving, agriculture and other work places that require to handle loads ranging from 3000 to 30,000 plus pounds.
The lift truck is utilized most often to keep the flow of operations working as smoothly and efficiently as possible. Though lift trucks 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 eventually.
On the market nowadays are a lot of different units from many different manufacturers. These different units are designed particularly to deal with some particular jobs. So as to make certain that you don't purchase the wrong type of machine or purchase more than you need, it is essential to assess your company's requirements and compare to the various units available on the market. Speaking with a licensed forklift distributor is a very great idea and so is doing your own research on the internet.
When looking at lift trucks by fuel type, the following kinds are available:
Electric: The electric forklift is run by lead-acid based rechargeable batteries. These heavy and large batteries can run a machine for more than 5 or 6 straight hours. Electric models are ideal for indoor use due to their lack of emissions. They are a common option for retail spaces and warehouses since they put zero emissions into the air where individuals are working and provide a relatively low cost per hour of operation.
Internal Combustion: The IC engine operates on a variety of different fuels such as CNG or compressed natural gas, others take diesel, LP or liquid propane or gasoline. When compared to electric forklifts, the IC or internal combustion units could carry heavier loads, accelerate faster and are easier to refuel. These units are normally more expensive to operate than their electric counterparts.
Fuel Cell: Hydrogen fuel cell forklifts are the newest in forklift technology. These models provide the fast refueling capability of an IC unit but provide the quietness and zero emissions of electric lift trucks.
Nissan's outdoor models will offer synchronized steering. This specific feature returns the wheel knob to the original position automatically after the completion of a turn. Equipped with solid pneumatic tires to offer a comfortable ride both indoors and outdoors, these tires are more resistant to wear and damage.