For companies which lift and move heavy supplies and merchandise on a regular basis, there is probably no more effective or valuable machinery as the forklift. Lift trucks are a popular site in manufacturing plants, dockyards, distribution depots, lumber yards, warehouses and shipping and receiving, agriculture and other work places that has to deal with loads ranging from 3000 to 30,000 plus lbs.
Fork trucks are normally utilized to keep these operations working smoothly and efficiently. Though lift trucks 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 eventually.
Available on the market these days are a lot of different units from many different manufacturers. These various models are made specifically to deal with certain particular jobs. In order to make certain that you don't buy more than you require or the wrong type of equipment, it is really essential to evaluate the needs of your company and compare to the different models on the market. Talking to a certified 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 forklifts use large, heavy, rechargeable batteries which are lead-acid based. These batteries are able to run for about 5 or 6 hours straight. Electric models are best suited for indoor use because of their lack of emissions. They are a popular option for warehouses and retail spaces because they put zero emissions into the air where people are working and provide a relatively low cost per hour of operation.
Internal Combustion: The internal combustion engine works on a range 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 IC or internal combustion models are easier to refuel, accelerate faster and could carry heavier loads. These units are normally more pricey to use compared to their electric counterparts.
Fuel Cell: The newest in forklift technology is the Hydrogen fuel cell. These units offer the quietness and zero emissions of electric lift trucks but provide the fast refueling capability of an IC model.
There are a variety of outdoor Nissan units which offer synchronized steering. This feature returns the wheel knob to the original position automatically after completing a turn. Outfitted with solid pneumatic tires to provide a comfortable ride both outdoors and indoors, these tires are more resistant to both wear and damage.