For companies that raise and transport heavy materials and goods on a regular basis, there is probably no more effective or valuable equipment as the forklift. Forklifts are a common site in manufacturing plants, dockyards, distribution depots, lumber yards, shipping and receiving, agriculture, warehouses and other work places that has to deal with loads ranging from 3000 to 30,000 plus lbs.
Fork trucks are usually utilized to keep these operations running efficiently and smoothly. Even though lift trucks are a big investment, the injuries they reduce from heavy lifting and the amount of man hours they can save can make the purchase pay for itself eventually.
There are many different units and manufacturers of lift trucks available on the market. Various models are designed to accomplish different jobs. In order to make sure that you don't buy the wrong kind of machine or purchase more than you require, it is really essential to assess the needs of your business and compare to the different units on the market. Talking to a certified forklift distributor is a very good idea and so is doing your own research online.
When looking at lift trucks by fuel type, the following types are available:
Electric: Electric forklifts utilize large, heavy, rechargeable batteries which are lead-acid based. These batteries could run for approximately 5 or 6 hours straight. Electric models are best suited for indoor use due to their lack of emissions. They are a common alternative for retail spaces and warehouses because they put zero emissions into the air where people are working and provide a fairly low cost per hour of operation.
Internal Combustion: The IC engine operates on a variety of different fuels such as CNG or compressed natural gas, others take diesel, liquid propane or LP or gasoline. In comparison to electric forklifts, the IC or internal combustion models could carry heavier loads, are easier to refuel and accelerate faster. These units are usually more pricey to operate than their electric counterparts.
Fuel Cell: Hydrogen fuel cell forklifts are the latest in forklift technology. These units provide the quietness and zero emissions of electric forklifts but provide the fast refueling capability of an IC model.
There are a variety of outdoor Nissan models that offer synchronized steering. This specific feature returns the wheel knob to the original position automatically following the completion of a turn. Equipped with solid pneumatic tires to provide a comfortable ride both outdoors and indoors, these tires are more resistant to wear and damage.