There are some pieces of heavy machinery which are as effective or valuable as a lift truck for companies and businesses that have to move heavy materials and things. Lift trucks are a common site in dockyards, manufacturing plants, lumber yards, distribution depots, shipping and receiving, agriculture, warehouses and other work places which has to deal with loads ranging from 3000 to 30,000 plus pounds.
Fork trucks are usually used to keep these operations running efficiently and smoothly. 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 in little time.
There are many different models and manufacturers of forklifts on the market. Various models are designed to accomplish different tasks. In order to make certain that you don't buy the wrong kind of machinery or buy more than you need, it is vital to assess your company's needs and compare to the various units on the market. Talking to a authorized forklift distributor is a very good idea and so is doing your own research on the World Wide Web.
When looking at forklifts by fuel type, the following kinds are available:
Electric: The electric forklift is powered by lead-acid based rechargeable batteries. These heavy and large batteries can run a machinery for more than 5 or 6 straight hours. Electric units are best suited for indoor use due to their lack of emissions. They are a common option for retail spaces and warehouses since they put zero emissions into the air where people are working and provide a relatively low cost per hour of operation.
Internal Combustion: IC forklifts operate with a variety of fuels. Several units take compressed natural gas or CNG, 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 could carry heavier loads. These units are typically more pricey to use compared to their electric counterparts.
Fuel Cell: The newest in lift truck 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 internal combustion unit.
There are a range of outdoor Nissan units that provide synchronized steering. This feature returns the wheel knob to the original position automatically after completing a turn. Equipped with solid pneumatic tires to offer a comfortable ride both outdoors and indoors, these tires are more resistant to both wear and damage.