There are several pieces of heavy equipment which are as effective or valuable as a forklift for companies and businesses which have to move heavy materials and items. Lift trucks are a common 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 pounds.
The lift truck is utilized most often to keep the flow of operations working as efficiently and smoothly as possible. Even if lift trucks are a huge investment, the amount of man hours they could save and the injuries they reduce from heavy lifting can make the purchase pay for itself eventually.
Available on the market today are numerous of different models from a lot of different manufacturers. These different models are made specifically to handle certain specific jobs. So as to make certain that you don't buy the wrong kind of machine or buy more than you need, it is really vital to evaluate the requirements of your business and compare to the various units offered on the market. Talking to a certified forklift distributor is a great idea and so is doing your own research online.
When looking at lift trucks by fuel type, the following types are available:
Electric: The electric forklift is powered by lead-acid based rechargeable batteries. These large and heavy batteries could run a machine for more than 5 or 6 straight hours. Electric models are ideal for indoor use because of their lack of emissions. They are a common choice for warehouses and retail spaces since they provide a fairly low cost per hour of operation and put zero emissions into the air where individuals are working.
Internal Combustion: The internal combustion engine operates on a range of different fuels like CNG or compressed natural gas, others take diesel, liquid propane or LP or gasoline. When compared to electric forklifts, the internal combustion or IC units could carry heavier loads, are easier to refuel and accelerate faster. These models are normally more pricey to use than their electric counterparts.
Fuel Cell: The newest in lift truck technology is the Hydrogen fuel cell. These units provide the quietness and zero emissions of electric forklifts but provide the fast refueling capability of an IC model.
Nissan's outdoor models will provide synchronized steering. This feature automatically returns the wheel knob to the original position after completing a turn. Equipped with solid pneumatic tires to offer a comfortable ride both indoors and outdoors, these tires are more resistant to damage and wear.