If you are involved in the warehousing business, then you surely know the importance of using flexible and versatile machines for preforming various tasks quickly, efficiently and with less effort. The forklifts are some of the most commonly used machines for material handling tasks. But with so many forklift models on the market, choosing the right material handling machine for your needs can be a difficult task. That’s because choosing the right equipment will make a big difference in your warehouse or production facility. It can affect everything including the operation costs, productivity, safety, etc.
The forklifts are available in a variety of designs, and each model is used for specific job. In order to spend your money on the right machine, consider our tips for choosing the right forklift:
- Identify your requirements. First, you need to determine for what tasks you need a forklift. Since the forklifts differ in terms of loading and lifting capacity, you need to choose a model that will be powerful enough to lift and move the materials in your warehouse or production facility. Also, determine whether you need a forklift for indoor or outdoor applications.
- Fuel options. Generally, there are two forklift types on the market: internal combustion forklifts and electrical forklifts. The electrical forklifts are powered by batteries which usually last for eight hours which is enough for one day. If you need forklifts for indoor applications, then the electrical models are your best choice because they produce no gas emissions. Although more expensive, they have lower operating costs. At the end of the working day the electric forklifts must be recharged. The internal combustion forklifts run on diesel, gasoline or gas. Although they are less expensive to buy, they produce higher operational costs. However, the internal combustion engine forklift offers better acceleration and speed.
- Tire choice. Generally, the forklifts that can be found on the market come with cushion tires (made of solid rubber), pneumatic tires (which are inflated), or solid pneumatic tires (which are a combination of both). While the cushion tires are best for indoor activities, the pneumatic tires are better for outdoor applications. The solid pneumatic tires are designed for hazardous conditions or operations on rough terrains.
- Evaluate your options. The most commonly used forklift types are: counterbalance forklift, 3 wheel counterbalance forklift, high reach forklift, and the hand pallet forklift. The high reach forklift is described as the most flexible and maneuverable material handling machine, designed mainly for warehouse operations. It delivers maximum lift height along with exceptional maneuverability. One of the most interesting facts about this machine is that the name ‘high reach forklift’ refers to its ability to reach high locations with ease. This material handling machine is also known as telehandler forklift. Unlike the traditional forklifts, a typical high reach forklift is designed with much larger and bigger telescoping boom arm that allows operators to places loads on high locations. Some manufactures design high reach forklift with a tilting cab mechanism which provides a more comfortable viewing position for the operator. In overall, the high reach forklift is ideal for indoor activities because it comes with a low under-carriage clearance which can cause problems on outside uneven surfaces.