For companies that raise and transport heavy materials and merchandise on a regular basis, there is probably no more valuable or effective machinery as the lift truck. Forklifts are a common site in distribution depots, lumber yards, dockyards, manufacturing plants, shipping and receiving, agriculture, warehouses and other work places which require to handle loads ranging from 3000 to 30,000 plus lbs.
The forklift is utilized most frequently to keep the flow of operations running as smoothly and efficiently as possible. Even if forklifts are a huge investment, the amount of man hours they can save and the injuries they reduce from heavy lifting can make the purchase pay for itself eventually.
There are numerous different models and manufacturers of lift trucks on the market. Different units are designed to accomplish various tasks. In order to make certain that you don't purchase more than you require or the wrong kind of equipment, it is important to assess your company's requirements and compare to the different units offered 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 lift trucks by fuel type, the following types are available:
Electric: The electric forklift is powered by lead-acid based rechargeable batteries. These large and heavy batteries could run a machine for more than 5 or 6 straight hours. Electric units are best suited for indoor applications because of their lack of emissions. They are a popular option for retail spaces and warehouses because they provide a fairly low cost per hour of operation and put zero emissions into the air where people are working.
Internal Combustion: The internal combustion engine operates on a range of different fuels such as compressed natural gas or CNG, others take diesel, LP or liquid propane or gasoline. In comparison to electric forklifts, the internal combustion or IC units are easier to refuel, accelerate faster and could carry heavier loads. These models are normally more pricey to operate than their electric counterparts.
Fuel Cell: The newest in forklift technology is the Hydrogen fuel cell. These models provide the fast refueling capability of an IC model but provide the quietness and zero emissions of electric forklifts.
There are a range of outdoor Nissan units that provide synchronized steering. This particular feature automatically returns the wheel knob to the original position 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 damage and wear.