For companies which lift and move heavy supplies and merchandise regularly, there is probably no more valuable or effective machine as the forklift. Lift trucks are a popular site in lumber yards, distribution depots, manufacturing plants, dockyards, shipping and receiving, agriculture, warehouses and other work places that need to handle loads ranging from 3000 to 30,000 plus lbs.
The forklift is used most often to keep the flow of operations working as smoothly and efficiently as possible. Even though forklifts are a big investment, the injuries they reduce from heavy lifting and the amount of man hours they can save could make the purchase pay for itself eventually.
Available on the market nowadays are numerous of different units from a lot of different manufacturers. These different units are designed specially to deal with some specific tasks. In order to make certain that you don't buy more than you need or the wrong kind of machinery, it is very vital to assess the needs of your company and compare to the different units on the market. Speaking with a certified forklift distributor is a great idea and so is doing your own research online.
When looking at lift trucks by fuel type, the following kinds are available:
Electric: The electric forklift is run by lead-acid based rechargeable batteries. These heavy and large batteries can run a machinery for more than 5 or 6 straight hours. Electric models are great for indoor applications due to their lack of emissions. They are a popular alternative 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 lift trucks operate with a variety of fuels. Some 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, are easier to refuel and accelerate faster. These models are normally more pricey to utilize than their electric counterparts.
Fuel Cell: Hydrogen fuel cell forklifts are the newest in forklift technology. These units provide the fast refueling capability of an internal combustion model but provide the quietness and zero emissions of electric lift trucks.
Nissan's outdoor models will offer synchronized steering. This feature automatically returns the wheel knob to the original position after completing a turn. Equipped with solid pneumatic tires to provide a comfortable ride both outdoors and indoors, these tires are more resistant to wear and damage.