There are some pieces of heavy machinery that are as valuable or effective as a lift truck for businesses and companies that need to move heavy supplies and things. Lift trucks are a popular site in lumber yards, distribution depots, manufacturing plants, dockyards, warehouses and shipping and receiving, agriculture and other work places which need to deal with loads ranging from 3000 to 30,000 plus pounds.
The forklift is used most often to keep the flow of operations running as smoothly and efficiently as possible. Though lift trucks are a large investment, the injuries they reduce from heavy lifting and the amount of man hours they could save can make the purchase pay for itself eventually.
On the market these days are a lot of different models from many different manufacturers. These various units are made specially to handle certain specific jobs. So as to make certain that you don't purchase more than you require or the wrong kind of machine, it is really vital to evaluate the requirements of your business and compare to the various units on the market. Speaking with a qualified forklift distributor is a 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 which are lead-acid based. These batteries could run for approximately 5 or 6 hours straight. Electric units are best suited for indoor use due to their lack of emissions. They are a common option for retail spaces and warehouses as they provide a relatively low cost per hour of operation and put zero emissions into the air where people are working.
Internal Combustion: Internal combustion lift trucks work with a range of fuels. Several models take 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 can carry heavier loads, accelerate faster and are easier to refuel. These models are normally more pricey to utilize compared to their electric counterparts.
Fuel Cell: The newest in forklift technology is the Hydrogen fuel cell. These units offer the quietness and zero emissions of electric lift trucks but provide the fast refueling capability of an IC unit.
Nissan's outdoor models will offer synchronized steering. This particular feature automatically returns the wheel knob to the original position after 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.