For businesses that raise and transport heavy supplies and merchandise regularly, there is probably no more effective or valuable equipment as the lift truck. Forklifts are a common site in lumber yards, distribution depots, manufacturing plants, dockyards, warehouses and shipping and receiving, agriculture and other work places which need to deal with loads ranging from 3000 to 30,000 plus lbs.
The forklift is utilized most frequently to keep the flow of operations working as smoothly and efficiently as possible. Even if forklifts are a big investment, the amount of man hours they can save and the injuries they reduce from heavy lifting could make the purchase pay for itself eventually.
There are many different models and manufacturers of forklifts on the market. Various models are designed to accomplish various jobs. So as to make certain that you don't buy more than you need or the wrong type of machine, it is really essential to evaluate the needs of your company and compare to the different units on the market. Talking to a authorized forklift distributor is a good idea and so is doing your own research online.
When looking at lift trucks by the kind of fuel, the following kinds are available:
Electric: The electric forklift is run by lead-acid based rechargeable batteries. These heavy and large batteries can run a machine for more than 5 or 6 straight hours. Electric models are best suited for indoor use due to their lack of emissions. They are a common choice for retail spaces and warehouses as they provide a fairly 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. Some models take CNG or compressed natural gas, others take diesel, LP or liquid propane or gasoline. When compared to electric forklifts, the IC or internal combustion models could carry heavier loads, accelerate faster and are easier to refuel. These units are usually more expensive to operate compared to their electric counterparts.
Fuel Cell: The latest in lift truck technology is the Hydrogen fuel cell. These models provide the fast refueling capability of an IC model but offer the quietness and zero emissions of electric forklifts.
Nissan's outdoor models would provide synchronized steering. This particular 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 indoors and outdoors, these tires are more resistant to wear and damage.