For businesses which raise and transport heavy supplies and merchandise on a regular basis, there is probably no more valuable or effective machine as the forklift. Forklifts are a popular site in manufacturing plants, dockyards, lumber yards, distribution depots, agriculture, warehouses, shipping and receiving and other work places that require to deal with loads ranging from 3000 to 30,000 plus pounds.
Fork trucks are usually utilized to keep these operations working efficiently and smoothly. Though lift trucks are a big investment, the amount of man hours they can save and the injuries they reduce from heavy lifting can make the purchase pay for itself in little time.
Available on the market these days are a lot of different models from many different manufacturers. These various units are made particularly to handle certain specific jobs. So as to make sure that you don't buy more than you need or the wrong type of machinery, it is essential to assess the requirements of your company and compare to the various models on the market. Speaking with a certified forklift distributor is a very good 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: Electric lift trucks use large, heavy, rechargeable batteries which are lead-acid based. These batteries are able to run for around 5 or 6 hours straight. Electric units are great for indoor applications because of their lack of emissions. They are a popular alternative for warehouses and retail spaces as they put zero emissions into the air where people are working and provide a fairly low cost per hour of operation.
Internal Combustion: IC lift trucks 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 models are usually more pricey to use compared to their electric counterparts.
Fuel Cell: The newest in forklift technology is the Hydrogen fuel cell. These models provide the quietness and zero emissions of electric lift trucks but provide the fast refueling capability of an IC unit.
Nissan's outdoor models will provide synchronized steering. This feature automatically returns the wheel knob to the original position after the completion of a turn. Equipped with solid pneumatic tires to provide a comfortable ride both indoors and outdoors, these tires are more resistant to wear and damage.