There are few pieces of heavy machines which are as valuable or effective as a forklift for companies and businesses which need to transport heavy materials and things. Lift trucks are a popular site in manufacturing plants, dockyards, lumber yards, distribution depots, agriculture, warehouses, shipping and receiving and other work places that has 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 lift trucks are a big investment, the amount of man hours they can save and the injuries they reduce from heavy lifting can make the purchase pay for itself eventually.
There are many different units and manufacturers of lift trucks on the market. Different models are made to accomplish different tasks. In order to make sure that you don't buy the wrong type of machinery or buy more than you need, it is very important to assess the needs of your company and compare to the different units available on the market. Speaking with a authorized forklift distributor is a good idea and so is doing your own research on the internet.
When looking at lift trucks by the kind of fuel, the following kinds are available:
Electric: Electric lift trucks utilize large, heavy, rechargeable batteries which are lead-acid based. These batteries are able to run for about 5 or 6 hours straight. Electric units are best suited for indoor use due to their lack of emissions. They are a common option for warehouses and retail spaces as they provide a relatively low cost per hour of operation and put zero emissions into the air where people are working.
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 units are easier to refuel, accelerate faster and could carry heavier loads. These models are normally more expensive to operate than their electric counterparts.
Fuel Cell: The latest in forklift technology is the Hydrogen fuel cell. These models offer the quietness and zero emissions of electric forklifts but provide the fast refueling capability of an IC model.
Nissan's outdoor models will provide synchronized steering. This feature automatically returns the wheel knob to the original position after completing a turn. Equipped with solid pneumatic tires to provide a comfortable ride both outdoors and indoors, these tires are more resistant to damage and wear.