For businesses which raise and move heavy materials and merchandise regularly, there is probably no more effective or valuable equipment as the lift truck. Forklifts are a popular site in dockyards, manufacturing plants, lumber yards, distribution depots, agriculture, warehouses, shipping and receiving and other work places which need to deal with loads ranging from 3000 to 30,000 plus lbs.
Fork trucks are commonly utilized to keep these operations running smoothly and efficiently. Though forklifts are a big 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 a lot of different models from a lot of different manufacturers. These various models are made particularly to handle some specific jobs. So as to make certain that you don't purchase more than you need or the wrong type of machine, it is essential to evaluate the requirements of your company and compare to the various units on the market. Speaking with a qualified forklift distributor is a great 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: Electric lift trucks use large, heavy, rechargeable batteries that are lead-acid based. These batteries are able to run for about 5 or 6 hours straight. Electric models are great for indoor use because of their lack of emissions. They are a popular choice for warehouses and retail spaces as they put zero emissions into the air where individuals are working and provide a fairly low cost per hour of operation.
Internal Combustion: The IC engine operates on a range 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 units accelerate faster, are easier to refuel and can carry heavier loads. These units are typically more pricey to operate compared to 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 offer the zero emissions and quietness of electric lift trucks.
Nissan's outdoor models will provide synchronized steering. This feature returns the wheel knob to the original position automatically following completing a turn. Outfitted with solid pneumatic tires to offer a comfortable ride both indoors and outdoors, these tires are more resistant to both damage and wear.