You'll notice several pieces of heavy machinery that are as effective or valuable as a forklift for companies and businesses which need to move heavy materials and items. Lift trucks are a common site in distribution depots, lumber yards, dockyards, manufacturing plants, shipping and receiving, agriculture, warehouses and other work places which has to deal with loads ranging from 3000 to 30,000 plus pounds.
The lift truck is used most often to keep the flow of operations working as efficiently and smoothly as possible. Though lift trucks 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 in little time.
Available on the market these days are numerous of different units from a lot of different manufacturers. These different models are made specifically to deal with certain particular tasks. So as to make sure that you don't buy more than you require or the wrong type of machine, it is essential to assess the needs of your business and compare to the various units offered on the market. Speaking with a licensed forklift distributor is a very good idea and so is doing your own research online.
When looking at forklifts by fuel type, the following kinds are available:
Electric: Electric lift trucks use heavy, large, rechargeable batteries that are lead-acid based. These batteries could run for about 5 or 6 hours straight. Electric units are ideal for indoor use due to their lack of emissions. They are a common option for retail spaces and warehouses as they provide a fairly low cost per hour of operation and put zero emissions into the air where people are working.
Internal Combustion: The internal combustion engine works on a range of different fuels like compressed natural gas or CNG, others take diesel, LP or liquid propane or gasoline. When compared to electric forklifts, the internal combustion or IC units accelerate faster, are easier to refuel and could carry heavier loads. These units are typically more pricey to utilize than their electric counterparts.
Fuel Cell: The newest in forklift technology is the Hydrogen fuel cell. These units provide the fast refueling capability of an internal combustion model but provide the zero emissions and quietness of electric lift trucks.
There are a range of outdoor Nissan units that offer synchronized steering. This feature automatically returns the wheel knob to the original position following 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.