You'll notice few pieces of heavy machinery which are as valuable or effective as a forklift for companies and businesses that need to transport heavy materials and objects. Forklifts are a popular site in lumber yards, distribution depots, dockyards, manufacturing plants, warehouses and shipping and receiving, agriculture and other work places that has to deal with loads ranging from 3000 to 30,000 plus lbs.
The lift truck is utilized most often to keep the flow of operations running as smoothly and efficiently as possible. Even if 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 these days are numerous of different units from many different manufacturers. These various units are made specially to handle certain specific jobs. So as to make sure that you don't buy the wrong kind of equipment or purchase more than you need, it is very essential to evaluate the requirements of your company and compare to the different models offered on the market. Talking to a certified forklift distributor is a 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: Electric forklifts use large, heavy, rechargeable batteries that are lead-acid based. These batteries could run for around 5 or 6 hours straight. Electric units are ideal for indoor use because of their lack of emissions. They are a popular alternative for warehouses and retail spaces as they provide a fairly 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 range of different fuels such as CNG or compressed natural gas, others take diesel, liquid propane or LP or gasoline. When compared to electric forklifts, the IC or internal combustion models could carry heavier loads, accelerate faster and are easier to refuel. These units are typically more expensive to operate compared to their electric counterparts.
Fuel Cell: The latest in forklift technology is the Hydrogen fuel cell. These units provide the quietness and zero emissions of electric lift trucks but provide the fast refueling capability of an IC model.
There are a variety of outdoor Nissan models which provide synchronized steering. This feature returns the wheel knob to the original position automatically after completing a turn. Outfitted with solid pneumatic tires to provide a comfortable ride both outdoors and indoors, these tires are more resistant to damage and wear.