You'll notice several pieces of heavy machines that are as effective or valuable as a forklift for businesses and companies that have to move heavy materials and items. Lift trucks are a common site in distribution depots, lumber yards, manufacturing plants, dockyards, shipping and receiving, agriculture, warehouses and other work places which require to handle loads ranging from 3000 to 30,000 plus pounds.
The lift truck is used most frequently to keep the flow of operations running as smoothly and efficiently as possible. Even though forklifts are a large investment, the injuries they reduce from heavy lifting and the amount of man hours they could save could make the purchase pay for itself eventually.
There are numerous different models and manufacturers of lift trucks available on the market. Various models are made 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 very important to evaluate the requirements of your company and compare to the various models available on the market. Speaking with a licensed forklift distributor is a great 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 use large, heavy, rechargeable batteries that are lead-acid based. These batteries could run for about 5 or 6 hours straight. Electric units are ideal for indoor applications due to their lack of emissions. They are a popular choice for warehouses and retail spaces as they put zero emissions into the air where individuals are working and provide a relatively low cost per hour of operation.
Internal Combustion: Internal combustion lift trucks operate with a range of fuels. Some units take CNG or compressed natural gas, others take diesel, LP or liquid propane or gasoline. In comparison to electric forklifts, the internal combustion or IC models can carry heavier loads, are easier to refuel and accelerate faster. These units are typically more expensive to operate than their electric counterparts.
Fuel Cell: The newest in lift truck technology is the Hydrogen fuel cell. These units offer the quietness and zero emissions of electric forklifts but provide the fast refueling capability of an internal combustion unit.
There are a range of outdoor Nissan models that offer synchronized steering. This feature automatically returns the wheel knob to the original position following completing 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.