For businesses that raise and transport heavy supplies and merchandise regularly, there is probably no more effective or valuable equipment as the lift truck. Lift trucks are a common site in lumber yards, distribution depots, manufacturing plants, dockyards, shipping and receiving, agriculture, warehouses and other work places which require to handle loads ranging from 3000 to 30,000 plus lbs.
Fork trucks are normally used to keep these operations running efficiently and smoothly. Though lift trucks are a huge investment, the injuries they reduce from heavy lifting and the amount of man hours they could save can make the purchase pay for itself eventually.
On the market these days are numerous of different units from a lot of different manufacturers. These various units are designed particularly to deal with certain specific jobs. So as to make sure that you don't purchase more than you need or the wrong type of equipment, it is essential to evaluate the requirements of your business and compare to the various models offered on the market. Talking to a authorized forklift distributor is a great idea and so is doing your own research on the World Wide Web.
When looking at lift trucks by fuel type, the following kinds are available:
Electric: Electric forklifts use large, heavy, rechargeable batteries which are lead-acid based. These batteries are able to run for roughly 5 or 6 hours straight. Electric models are ideal for indoor use due to their lack of emissions. They are a common choice for warehouses and retail spaces since they put zero emissions into the air where individuals are working and provide a relatively low cost per hour of operation.
Internal Combustion: The internal combustion engine operates on a variety of different fuels like CNG or compressed natural gas, others take diesel, LP or liquid propane or gasoline. In comparison to electric forklifts, the IC or internal combustion models can carry heavier loads, are easier to refuel and accelerate faster. These units are typically more expensive to operate than their electric counterparts.
Fuel Cell: The newest in forklift technology is the Hydrogen fuel cell. These models provide the zero emissions and quietness of electric lift trucks but provide the fast refueling capability of an IC unit.
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 both damage and wear.