For businesses which raise and move heavy supplies and goods on a regular basis, there is probably no more effective or valuable machine as the forklift. Forklifts are a common site in manufacturing plants, dockyards, lumber yards, distribution depots, shipping and receiving, agriculture, warehouses and other work places that has to handle loads ranging from 3000 to 30,000 plus lbs.
The lift truck is utilized most frequently to keep the flow of operations working as efficiently and smoothly as possible. Even if forklifts 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 in little time.
Available on the market today are numerous of different models from a lot of different manufacturers. These various models are designed specifically to deal with some particular jobs. So as to make sure that you don't purchase more than you require or the wrong kind of machinery, it is vital to evaluate your company's requirements and compare to the different units available on the market. Speaking with a licensed forklift distributor is a very good idea and so is doing your own research on the internet.
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 heavy and large batteries could run a machine for more than 5 or 6 straight hours. Electric units are great for indoor use because of their lack of emissions. They are a common option for retail spaces and warehouses as they put zero emissions into the air where individuals are working and provide a fairly low cost per hour of operation.
Internal Combustion: The internal combustion engine operates 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 IC or internal combustion models accelerate faster, are easier to refuel and can carry heavier loads. These models are typically more pricey to utilize than their electric counterparts.
Fuel Cell: Hydrogen fuel cell forklifts are the newest in lift truck technology. These models offer the zero emissions and quietness of electric forklifts but provide the fast refueling capability of an IC unit.
Nissan's outdoor units will provide synchronized steering. This feature automatically returns the wheel knob to the original position following the completion of a turn. Equipped with solid pneumatic tires to offer a comfortable ride both indoors and outdoors, these tires are more resistant to both damage and wear.