There are few pieces of heavy equipment that are as effective or valuable as a forklift for businesses and companies that need to move heavy materials and things. Lift trucks are a popular site in distribution depots, lumber yards, dockyards, manufacturing plants, agriculture, warehouses, shipping and receiving and other work places which has to deal with loads ranging from 3000 to 30,000 plus lbs.
The forklift is utilized most often to keep the flow of operations running as smoothly and efficiently as possible. Though lift trucks are a big investment, the amount of man hours they can save and the injuries they reduce from heavy lifting can make the purchase pay for itself in little time.
There are numerous different models and manufacturers of lift trucks on the market. Different models are designed to accomplish various tasks. In order to make sure that you don't purchase more than you require or the wrong type of equipment, it is important to assess your company's requirements and compare to the different units offered on the market. Speaking with a qualified forklift distributor is a good idea and so is doing your own research online.
When looking at forklifts by fuel type, the following types are available:
Electric: Electric lift trucks utilize large, heavy, rechargeable batteries which are lead-acid based. These batteries could run for roughly 5 or 6 hours straight. Electric models are great for indoor applications due to their lack of emissions. They are a common option 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: Internal combustion lift trucks operate with a range of fuels. Some models take CNG or compressed natural gas, others take diesel, liquid propane or LP or gasoline. In comparison to electric forklifts, the IC or internal combustion units can carry heavier loads, are easier to refuel and accelerate faster. These models are normally more pricey to operate than their electric counterparts.
Fuel Cell: The latest in forklift technology is the Hydrogen fuel cell. These models provide the fast refueling capability of an internal combustion model but offer the quietness and zero emissions of electric forklifts.
Nissan's outdoor models will provide 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 indoors and outdoors, these tires are more resistant to both wear and damage.