For businesses that lift and move heavy supplies and merchandise on a regular basis, there is probably no more valuable or effective machinery as the forklift. Forklifts are a popular site in lumber yards, distribution depots, manufacturing plants, dockyards, shipping and receiving, agriculture, warehouses and other work places that need to deal with loads ranging from 3000 to 30,000 plus lbs.
The forklift is used most often to keep the flow of operations running as efficiently and smoothly as possible. Even if forklifts are a large 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.
There are numerous different models and manufacturers of lift trucks available on the market. Different models are made to accomplish various tasks. In order to make certain that you don't buy the wrong kind of machinery or purchase more than you require, it is really important to evaluate your company's requirements and compare to the various models offered on the market. Talking to a authorized forklift distributor is a very good idea and so is doing your own research on the internet.
When looking at lift trucks by fuel type, the following kinds are available:
Electric: Electric lift trucks use heavy, large, rechargeable batteries which are lead-acid based. These batteries could run for approximately 5 or 6 hours straight. Electric models are ideal for indoor applications due to their lack of emissions. They are a common alternative for retail spaces and warehouses since they provide a relatively low cost per hour of operation and put zero emissions into the air where people are working.
Internal Combustion: Internal combustion forklifts operate with a range of fuels. Several units take compressed natural gas or CNG, others take diesel, liquid propane or LP or gasoline. When compared to electric forklifts, the IC or internal combustion models accelerate faster, are easier to refuel and could carry heavier loads. These models are usually more pricey to use than their electric counterparts.
Fuel Cell: The newest in lift truck technology is the Hydrogen fuel cell. These units provide the fast refueling capability of an internal combustion unit but offer the zero emissions and quietness of electric lift trucks.
Nissan's outdoor models would provide synchronized steering. This particular feature returns the wheel knob to the original position automatically following the completion of a turn. Outfitted with solid pneumatic tires to provide a comfortable ride both outdoors and indoors, these tires are more resistant to both damage and wear.