For companies which raise and transport heavy supplies and goods regularly, there is probably no more valuable or effective machinery as the lift truck. Lift trucks are a popular site in manufacturing plants, dockyards, distribution depots, lumber yards, warehouses and shipping and receiving, agriculture and other work places which has to handle 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 huge investment, the amount of man hours they can save and the injuries they reduce from heavy lifting could make the purchase pay for itself in little time.
On the market today are a lot of different units from many different manufacturers. These different models are designed particularly to deal with certain specific tasks. In order to make sure that you don't purchase the wrong kind of machine or purchase more than you require, it is important to evaluate your company's needs and compare to the different units available on the market. Speaking with a authorized forklift distributor is a great idea and so is doing your own research on the internet.
When looking at forklifts by fuel type, the following types are available:
Electric: Electric lift trucks utilize heavy, large, rechargeable batteries which are lead-acid based. These batteries are able to run for roughly 5 or 6 hours straight. Electric models are best suited for indoor applications because of their lack of emissions. They are a common alternative for retail spaces and warehouses as they put zero emissions into the air where people are working and provide a fairly low cost per hour of operation.
Internal Combustion: The internal combustion engine works on a variety of different fuels such as compressed natural gas or CNG, others take diesel, liquid propane or LP or gasoline. When compared to electric forklifts, the internal combustion or IC units could carry heavier loads, accelerate faster and are easier to refuel. These models are typically more pricey to utilize than their electric counterparts.
Fuel Cell: The newest in lift truck technology is the Hydrogen fuel cell. These models provide the fast refueling capability of an IC model but provide the quietness and zero emissions of electric forklifts.
There are a variety of outdoor Nissan models that offer synchronized steering. This particular 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 outdoors and indoors, these tires are more resistant to wear and damage.