For companies that lift and transport heavy supplies and merchandise regularly, there is probably no more valuable or effective machine as the forklift. Lift trucks are a common site in manufacturing plants, dockyards, lumber yards, distribution depots, shipping and receiving, agriculture, warehouses and other work places which need to deal with loads ranging from 3000 to 30,000 plus lbs.
Fork trucks are usually utilized to keep these operations running efficiently and smoothly. Though forklifts are a big investment, the amount of man hours they can save and the injuries they reduce from heavy lifting could make the purchase pay for itself eventually.
On the market nowadays are a lot of different units from many different manufacturers. These different units are designed specifically to deal with some particular tasks. In order to make sure that you don't buy the wrong type of equipment or purchase more than you require, it is essential to evaluate your company's requirements and compare to the different models offered on the market. Talking to a qualified forklift distributor is a great idea and so is doing your own research online.
When looking at forklifts by the type of fuel, the following types are available:
Electric: Electric forklifts use large, heavy, rechargeable batteries that are lead-acid based. These batteries can run for approximately 5 or 6 hours straight. Electric units are great for indoor applications due to their lack of emissions. They are a popular choice 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: Internal combustion forklifts operate with a variety of fuels. Several models take compressed natural gas or CNG, others take diesel, liquid propane or LP or gasoline. In comparison to electric forklifts, the IC or internal combustion models accelerate faster, are easier to refuel and can carry heavier loads. These units are normally more pricey to operate than their electric counterparts.
Fuel Cell: Hydrogen fuel cell lift trucks are the latest in lift truck technology. These units provide the quietness and zero emissions of electric lift trucks but provide the fast refueling capability of an internal combustion unit.
There are a range of outdoor Nissan models which offer synchronized steering. This specific feature automatically returns the wheel knob to the original position following the completion of a turn. Outfitted with solid pneumatic tires to provide a comfortable ride both outdoors and indoors, these tires are more resistant to damage and wear.