For companies that raise and move heavy materials and merchandise on a regular basis, there is probably no more effective or valuable machinery as the lift truck. Forklifts are a common site in dockyards, manufacturing plants, lumber yards, distribution depots, agriculture, warehouses, shipping and receiving and other work places which has to handle loads ranging from 3000 to 30,000 plus pounds.
The lift truck is utilized most frequently to keep the flow of operations working as efficiently and smoothly as possible. Though forklifts are a large investment, the amount of man hours they could save and the injuries they reduce from heavy lifting can make the purchase pay for itself eventually.
There are numerous different units and manufacturers of forklifts available on the market. Various units are designed to accomplish various jobs. In order to make certain that you don't purchase the wrong type of machine or purchase more than you require, it is important to evaluate the needs of your company and compare to the different units available on the market. Talking to a authorized forklift distributor is a very good idea and so is doing your own research online.
When looking at forklifts by the kind of fuel, 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 machinery for more than 5 or 6 straight hours. Electric models are great for indoor use due to their lack of emissions. They are a popular choice for retail spaces and warehouses because they provide a fairly low cost per hour of operation and put zero emissions into the air where individuals are working.
Internal Combustion: Internal combustion forklifts operate with a range of fuels. Some units take CNG or compressed natural gas, others take diesel, liquid propane or LP or gasoline. When compared to electric forklifts, the internal combustion or IC units could carry heavier loads, are easier to refuel and accelerate faster. These models are typically more pricey to operate compared to their electric counterparts.
Fuel Cell: Hydrogen fuel cell forklifts are the latest in lift truck technology. These units provide the fast refueling capability of an internal combustion unit but provide the quietness and zero emissions of electric lift trucks.
There are a variety of outdoor Nissan units which offer synchronized steering. This specific feature automatically returns the wheel knob to the original position after the completion of a turn. Equipped with solid pneumatic tires to offer a comfortable ride both indoors and outdoors, these tires are more resistant to wear and damage.