For companies that lift and move heavy supplies and merchandise on a regular basis, there is probably no more effective or valuable machinery as the forklift. Forklifts are a common site in manufacturing plants, dockyards, lumber yards, distribution depots, warehouses and shipping and receiving, agriculture 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 working as smoothly and efficiently as possible. Though lift trucks 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.
Available on the market today are a lot of different units from many different manufacturers. These various units are designed specially to handle some particular jobs. In order to make certain that you don't purchase the wrong kind of machine or buy more than you require, it is really vital to assess the needs of your business and compare to the different units on the market. Speaking with a authorized 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 heavy, large, rechargeable batteries that are lead-acid based. These batteries are able to run for roughly 5 or 6 hours straight. Electric units are best suited for indoor use because of their lack of emissions. They are a popular choice for warehouses and retail spaces since they provide a fairly low cost per hour of operation and put zero emissions into the air where individuals are working.
Internal Combustion: The internal combustion engine works on a range of different fuels such as CNG or compressed natural gas, others take diesel, LP or liquid propane or gasoline. When compared to electric forklifts, the IC or internal combustion units are easier to refuel, accelerate faster and can carry heavier loads. These units are typically more expensive to operate 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 IC unit but provide the quietness and zero emissions of electric forklifts.
Nissan's outdoor models will provide synchronized steering. This feature returns the wheel knob to the original position automatically after completing a turn. Outfitted with solid pneumatic tires to offer a comfortable ride both outdoors and indoors, these tires are more resistant to damage and wear.