For businesses that lift and transport heavy supplies and merchandise on a regular basis, there is probably no more effective or valuable equipment as the forklift. Forklifts are a common site in manufacturing plants, dockyards, distribution depots, lumber yards, shipping and receiving, agriculture, warehouses and other work places which need to deal with 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. Though forklifts are a large investment, the injuries they reduce from heavy lifting and the amount of man hours they can save can make the purchase pay for itself eventually.
Available on the market these days are a lot of different models from a lot of different manufacturers. These various models are made specially to deal with certain particular jobs. In order to make certain that you don't purchase more than you need or the wrong kind of machine, it is vital to evaluate the needs of your business and compare to the various models on the market. Talking to a licensed 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 heavy and large batteries could run a machinery for more than 5 or 6 straight hours. Electric units are great for indoor use due to their lack of emissions. They are a popular option for retail spaces and warehouses as they provide a relatively low cost per hour of operation and put zero emissions into the air where people are working.
Internal Combustion: IC lift trucks work with a variety of fuels. Several models take CNG or compressed natural gas, others take diesel, liquid propane or LP or gasoline. In comparison to electric forklifts, the IC or internal combustion models are easier to refuel, accelerate faster and can carry heavier loads. These models are normally more expensive to operate than their electric counterparts.
Fuel Cell: The latest in forklift technology is the Hydrogen fuel cell. These models provide the fast refueling capability of an internal combustion model but offer the quietness and zero emissions of electric lift trucks.
Nissan's outdoor models would provide synchronized steering. This specific feature automatically returns the wheel knob to the original position after the completion of a turn. Equipped with solid pneumatic tires to provide a comfortable ride both indoors and outdoors, these tires are more resistant to wear and damage.