For businesses which lift and move heavy materials and goods regularly, there is probably no more effective or valuable machine as the lift truck. Lift trucks are a popular site in distribution depots, lumber yards, dockyards, manufacturing plants, shipping and receiving, agriculture, warehouses and other work places that has to deal with 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 though forklifts are a huge 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.
Available on the market today are a lot of different units from many different manufacturers. These various units are designed specially to handle some particular jobs. So as to make certain that you don't buy the wrong type of machinery or purchase more than you require, it is very vital to evaluate the needs of your business and compare to the various models on the market. Speaking with a authorized 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 types are available:
Electric: The electric forklift is run by lead-acid based rechargeable batteries. These heavy and large batteries could run a machine for more than 5 or 6 straight hours. Electric units are great for indoor applications due to their lack of emissions. They are a common choice 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: IC forklifts work with a variety of fuels. Some units take 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 accelerate faster, are easier to refuel and can carry heavier loads. These units are normally more pricey to use than their electric counterparts.
Fuel Cell: The latest in forklift technology is the Hydrogen fuel cell. These models provide the fast refueling capability of an IC model but provide the quietness and zero emissions of electric lift trucks.
There are a range of outdoor Nissan models that offer synchronized steering. This 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.