For companies which raise and transport heavy supplies and goods on a regular basis, there is probably no more effective or valuable machinery as the lift truck. Lift trucks are a common site in dockyards, manufacturing plants, distribution depots, lumber yards, shipping and receiving, agriculture, warehouses and other work places which has to handle loads ranging from 3000 to 30,000 plus pounds.
The lift truck is used most frequently to keep the flow of operations running as efficiently and smoothly as possible. Even though 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 units from a lot of different manufacturers. These different units are designed specifically to handle some specific jobs. In order to make certain that you don't buy more than you need or the wrong type of machine, it is very essential to evaluate the requirements of your business and compare to the various models on the market. Speaking with a certified 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 lift trucks use heavy, large, rechargeable batteries which are lead-acid based. These batteries could run for around 5 or 6 hours straight. Electric units are best suited for indoor use because of their lack of emissions. They are a common choice for retail spaces and warehouses because they put zero emissions into the air where individuals are working and provide a relatively low cost per hour of operation.
Internal Combustion: The IC engine works on a variety 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 internal combustion or IC units are easier to refuel, accelerate faster and can carry heavier loads. These models are usually more pricey to utilize compared to their electric counterparts.
Fuel Cell: The newest in forklift technology is the Hydrogen fuel cell. These models provide the quietness and zero emissions of electric forklifts but provide the fast refueling capability of an IC model.
There are a variety of outdoor Nissan units which provide synchronized steering. This specific feature returns the wheel knob to the original position automatically following the completion of a turn. Equipped with solid pneumatic tires to provide a comfortable ride both outdoors and indoors, these tires are more resistant to damage and wear.