You'll notice few pieces of heavy equipment that are as effective or valuable as a forklift for companies and businesses that have to move heavy supplies and objects. Forklifts are a common site in dockyards, manufacturing plants, lumber yards, distribution depots, agriculture, warehouses, shipping and receiving and other work places that need to handle loads ranging from 3000 to 30,000 plus lbs.
The forklift is utilized most frequently to keep the flow of operations working as efficiently and smoothly as possible. Even though lift trucks are a large 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.
There are numerous different units and manufacturers of lift trucks available on the market. Various models are made to accomplish various jobs. In order to make sure that you don't purchase the wrong kind of equipment or purchase more than you need, it is very vital to evaluate your company's requirements and compare to the various models on the market. Talking to a certified forklift distributor is a great idea and so is doing your own research on the World Wide Web.
When looking at forklifts by fuel type, the following types are available:
Electric: The electric forklift is run by lead-acid based rechargeable batteries. These large and heavy batteries can run a machine for more than 5 or 6 straight hours. Electric units are ideal for indoor use because of their lack of emissions. They are a common choice for warehouses and retail spaces since they put zero emissions into the air where individuals are working and provide a relatively low cost per hour of operation.
Internal Combustion: The IC engine works on a variety of different fuels such as compressed natural gas or CNG, others take diesel, LP or liquid propane or gasoline. When compared to electric forklifts, the internal combustion or IC units could carry heavier loads, accelerate faster and are easier to refuel. These units are normally more expensive to utilize than their electric counterparts.
Fuel Cell: Hydrogen fuel cell lift trucks are the latest in forklift technology. These units offer the quietness and zero emissions of electric lift trucks but provide the fast refueling capability of an internal combustion unit.
Nissan's outdoor models will provide synchronized steering. This feature automatically returns the wheel knob to the original position following the completion of a turn. Outfitted with solid pneumatic tires to offer a comfortable ride both indoors and outdoors, these tires are more resistant to wear and damage.