You'll notice few pieces of heavy equipment which are as effective or valuable as a lift truck for companies and businesses which need to transport heavy materials and objects. Lift trucks are a popular site in manufacturing plants, dockyards, distribution depots, lumber yards, agriculture, warehouses, shipping and receiving and other work places that need to handle loads ranging from 3000 to 30,000 plus pounds.
The lift truck is utilized most frequently to keep the flow of operations running as smoothly and efficiently as possible. Though forklifts 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 eventually.
On the market nowadays are numerous of different units from many different manufacturers. These different models are designed specifically to deal with some specific tasks. In order to make certain that you don't buy more than you require or the wrong type of machinery, it is important to assess your company's requirements and compare to the various models available on the market. Talking to a authorized forklift distributor is a very good idea and so is doing your own research online.
When looking at forklifts by fuel type, the following types are available:
Electric: The electric forklift is run by lead-acid based rechargeable batteries. These heavy and large batteries could run a machinery for more than 5 or 6 straight hours. Electric models are best suited for indoor applications due to their lack of emissions. They are a popular option for retail spaces and warehouses because they provide a relatively low cost per hour of operation and put zero emissions into the air where individuals are working.
Internal Combustion: Internal combustion forklifts operate with a range of fuels. Several units take CNG or compressed natural gas, others take diesel, liquid propane or LP or gasoline. When compared to electric forklifts, the IC or internal combustion units accelerate faster, are easier to refuel and can carry heavier loads. These models are typically more expensive to utilize than their electric counterparts.
Fuel Cell: The newest in forklift technology is the Hydrogen fuel cell. These models offer the zero emissions and quietness of electric forklifts but provide the fast refueling capability of an internal combustion model.
Nissan's outdoor models will provide synchronized steering. This specific 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 damage and wear.