For companies which lift and move heavy materials and goods on a regular basis, there is probably no more effective or valuable equipment as the lift truck. Forklifts are a common site in distribution depots, lumber yards, manufacturing plants, dockyards, shipping and receiving, agriculture, warehouses and other work places that require to deal with loads ranging from 3000 to 30,000 plus pounds.
The lift truck is utilized most frequently to keep the flow of operations running as efficiently and smoothly as possible. Though forklifts are a huge investment, the amount of man hours they could save and the injuries they reduce from heavy lifting can make the purchase pay for itself in little time.
Available on the market today are numerous of different units from many different manufacturers. These different units are designed specially to handle certain specific jobs. So as to make certain that you don't purchase the wrong type of equipment or purchase more than you need, it is vital to assess your company's requirements and compare to the various units offered on the market. Talking to a authorized forklift distributor is a very good idea and so is doing your own research online.
When looking at lift trucks by the type of fuel, the following kinds are available:
Electric: The electric forklift is run by lead-acid based rechargeable batteries. These large and heavy batteries could run a machine for more than 5 or 6 straight hours. Electric units are ideal for indoor use due to their lack of emissions. They are a common alternative for warehouses and retail spaces as they put zero emissions into the air where individuals are working and provide a fairly low cost per hour of operation.
Internal Combustion: The internal combustion engine operates on a variety of different fuels like 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, are easier to refuel and accelerate faster. These models are normally more pricey to utilize compared to their electric counterparts.
Fuel Cell: Hydrogen fuel cell forklifts are the newest in forklift technology. These models provide the fast refueling capability of an internal combustion model but offer the zero emissions and quietness of electric forklifts.
Nissan's outdoor models will offer synchronized steering. This feature returns the wheel knob to the original position automatically after completing a turn. Equipped with solid pneumatic tires to provide a comfortable ride both indoors and outdoors, these tires are more resistant to both wear and damage.