You'll find few pieces of heavy machines which are as valuable or effective as a lift truck for businesses and companies which have to transport heavy materials and objects. Forklifts are a common site in dockyards, manufacturing plants, distribution depots, lumber yards, agriculture, warehouses, shipping and receiving and other work places which require to deal with loads ranging from 3000 to 30,000 plus lbs.
The lift truck is used most often to keep the flow of operations running as smoothly and efficiently as possible. Though lift trucks are a huge investment, the injuries they reduce from heavy lifting and the amount of man hours they could save can make the purchase pay for itself eventually.
Available on the market today are a lot of different models from a lot of different manufacturers. These different units are made specifically to handle certain specific tasks. In order to make sure that you don't purchase the wrong kind of machine or buy more than you require, it is important to evaluate the requirements of your company and compare to the different models on the market. Speaking with a licensed forklift distributor is a good idea and so is doing your own research online.
When looking at forklifts by the kind of fuel, the following types are available:
Electric: Electric forklifts utilize heavy, large, rechargeable batteries which are lead-acid based. These batteries can run for about 5 or 6 hours straight. Electric models are ideal for indoor use because of their lack of emissions. They are a common alternative for warehouses and retail spaces because they provide a fairly low cost per hour of operation and put zero emissions into the air where individuals are working.
Internal Combustion: IC forklifts operate with a range of fuels. Some units take compressed natural gas or CNG, others take diesel, LP or liquid propane or gasoline. In comparison to electric forklifts, the internal combustion or IC units accelerate faster, are easier to refuel and could carry heavier loads. These models are typically more expensive to use than their electric counterparts.
Fuel Cell: Hydrogen fuel cell forklifts are the latest in lift truck technology. These models provide the zero emissions and quietness of electric lift trucks but provide the fast refueling capability of an internal combustion model.
There are a variety of outdoor Nissan models which provide synchronized steering. This particular feature automatically returns the wheel knob to the original position following the completion of a turn. Equipped with solid pneumatic tires to provide a comfortable ride both outdoors and indoors, these tires are more resistant to both damage and wear.