For businesses that lift and transport heavy supplies and goods on a regular basis, there is probably no more effective or valuable machine as the lift truck. Lift trucks 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 lbs.
Fork trucks are commonly used to keep these operations working 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 can make the purchase pay for itself in little time.
On the market these days are a lot of different units from a lot of different manufacturers. These various models are made specifically to deal with some specific tasks. In order to make certain that you don't buy the wrong kind of machine or purchase more than you require, it is very vital to evaluate your company's needs and compare to the various models offered on the market. Speaking with a authorized forklift distributor is a great idea and so is doing your own research on the internet.
When looking at forklifts by the type of fuel, the following types are available:
Electric: Electric lift trucks utilize heavy, large, rechargeable batteries that are lead-acid based. These batteries are able to run for around 5 or 6 hours straight. Electric units are ideal for indoor applications because of their lack of emissions. They are a common alternative for retail spaces and warehouses because they put zero emissions into the air where individuals are working and provide a relatively low cost per hour of operation.
Internal Combustion: Internal combustion forklifts work with a variety of fuels. Some models 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 models can carry heavier loads, are easier to refuel and accelerate faster. These models are normally more pricey to operate compared to their electric counterparts.
Fuel Cell: Hydrogen fuel cell lift trucks are the newest in forklift technology. These models provide the fast refueling capability of an internal combustion unit but offer the quietness and zero emissions of electric lift trucks.
There are a variety of outdoor Nissan units that offer synchronized steering. This feature returns the wheel knob to the original position automatically after completing a turn. Equipped with solid pneumatic tires to offer a comfortable ride both outdoors and indoors, these tires are more resistant to both damage and wear.