For businesses that lift and move heavy materials and merchandise regularly, there is probably no more effective or valuable equipment as the forklift. Lift trucks are a common site in dockyards, manufacturing plants, distribution depots, lumber yards, 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 frequently to keep the flow of operations working as smoothly and efficiently as possible. Though lift trucks 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 units and manufacturers of lift trucks available on the market. Various models are designed to accomplish various tasks. In order to make sure that you don't buy more than you need or the wrong kind of machine, it is important to evaluate the requirements of your company and compare to the different units on the market. Talking to a authorized forklift distributor is a very great idea and so is doing your own research online.
When looking at lift trucks by the type of fuel, the following kinds are available:
Electric: Electric lift trucks utilize large, heavy, rechargeable batteries that are lead-acid based. These batteries are able to run for approximately 5 or 6 hours straight. Electric units are great for indoor use due to their lack of emissions. They are a common choice for retail spaces and warehouses as they provide a fairly low cost per hour of operation and put zero emissions into the air where people are working.
Internal Combustion: IC forklifts work 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 units accelerate faster, are easier to refuel and could carry heavier loads. These models are usually more expensive to operate than their electric counterparts.
Fuel Cell: The latest in forklift technology is the Hydrogen fuel cell. These models provide the fast refueling capability of an internal combustion model but provide the zero emissions and quietness of electric lift trucks.
Nissan's outdoor models would provide synchronized steering. This specific feature automatically returns the wheel knob to the original position following completing a turn. Outfitted with solid pneumatic tires to provide a comfortable ride both indoors and outdoors, these tires are more resistant to wear and damage.