For businesses which raise and transport heavy supplies and goods on a regular basis, there is probably no more valuable or effective machinery as the forklift. Lift trucks are a common site in lumber yards, distribution depots, dockyards, manufacturing plants, agriculture, warehouses, shipping and receiving and other work places which has to deal with loads ranging from 3000 to 30,000 plus lbs.
The lift truck is utilized most frequently to keep the flow of operations running as smoothly and efficiently as possible. Even if forklifts are a big investment, the injuries they reduce from heavy lifting and the amount of man hours they can save could make the purchase pay for itself in little time.
There are many different models and manufacturers of lift trucks available on the market. Various models are designed to accomplish various jobs. So as to make certain that you don't buy more than you need or the wrong type of machinery, it is essential to assess your company's needs and compare to the various models on the market. Talking to a authorized forklift distributor is a great idea and so is doing your own research on the World Wide Web.
When looking at forklifts 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 can run a machine for more than 5 or 6 straight hours. Electric units are best suited for indoor use due to their lack of emissions. They are a common choice for retail spaces and warehouses because 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 IC or internal combustion models are easier to refuel, accelerate faster and could carry heavier loads. These models are usually more pricey to utilize compared to their electric counterparts.
Fuel Cell: The newest in lift truck technology is the Hydrogen fuel cell. These units offer the zero emissions and quietness of electric forklifts but provide the fast refueling capability of an IC unit.
Nissan's outdoor models would provide synchronized steering. This feature automatically returns the wheel knob to the original position following the completion of a turn. Outfitted with solid pneumatic tires to provide a comfortable ride both indoors and outdoors, these tires are more resistant to both wear and damage.