There are actually few pieces of heavy machines which are as valuable or effective as a lift truck for businesses and companies that have to transport heavy supplies and things. Forklifts are a common site in dockyards, manufacturing plants, distribution depots, lumber yards, warehouses and shipping and receiving, agriculture and other work places which require to handle loads ranging from 3000 to 30,000 plus pounds.
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 huge investment, the injuries they reduce from heavy lifting and the amount of man hours they can save could make the purchase pay for itself eventually.
Available on the market nowadays are a lot of different models from a lot of different manufacturers. These different models are made specifically to deal with some specific jobs. In order to make sure that you don't buy more than you require or the wrong type of equipment, it is important to evaluate the requirements of your business and compare to the different units available on the market. Speaking with a licensed forklift distributor is a very good idea and so is doing your own research on the World Wide Web.
When looking at forklifts by fuel type, the following kinds are available:
Electric: The electric forklift is powered 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 applications because of their lack of emissions. They are a common option for retail spaces and warehouses since they put zero emissions into the air where people are working and provide a relatively low cost per hour of operation.
Internal Combustion: The internal combustion engine operates on a range of different fuels such as compressed natural gas or CNG, others take diesel, LP or liquid propane or gasoline. When compared to electric forklifts, the IC or internal combustion models can carry heavier loads, accelerate faster and are easier to refuel. These units are usually more pricey to utilize compared to their electric counterparts.
Fuel Cell: The latest in forklift technology is the Hydrogen fuel cell. These models offer the zero emissions and quietness of electric lift trucks but provide the fast refueling capability of an IC model.
Nissan's outdoor units will 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 both wear and damage.