Finding the Equipment for Your Application
Whether you have been in the material handling business for a long time, or are new to it, it is easy to see that there is more to the forklift life than meets the eye. The constantly changing industry requires continuous education, training, and re-certification of operators. To help you focus on the important information, here are a few questions to ask:
Will your forklift work indoors, outdoors, or both?
How often will you operate the forklift?
What materials will you be moving?
What weight capacity will your forklift need to handle?
How narrow are your aisles?
How high will you store items?
Based upon your answers, you will be able to better communicate your needs. This information is critical to finding the right equipment for your specific application, and the benefits will be immediate.
Will your forklift work indoors, outdoors, or both?
This determination is the kickoff point. For indoor spaces, electric trucks are a great option to eliminate the omission of harmful fumes. They are also quieter than internal combustion engines.
If the unit will be operating indoors and outdoors, a LPG (liquid Propane gas) is recommended for round the clock hard work. However, for solely outdoor use, the options expand to include diesel, LPG, and electric. The diesel units are typically reserved for the bigger jobs as these have higher speeds while accelerating and lifting with heavy loads.
As you determine where your forklift will be used, you should evaluate the terrain it will be traversing. For material handling equipment, there are two primary classifications of tires: cushion and pneumatic.
Forklift frames are designed to fit a particular type of tire, and it is important to identify the appropriate tire type at the beginning. A cushion tire works best indoors. Cushion tires are solid and made for flat, even surfaces. On the other hand, pneumatic tires are more similar to the tires on a car. Pneumatic tires are filled with air and can traverse different types of rough terrain with more ease.
How often will your lift be working?
If your applications demands constant forklift use, purchasing new will pay out in the long run. However, if the unit will not be used frequently, a used forklift may be a better solution.
What material will you be moving?
Depending on the material you are handling, think about whether new specialized forks can assist. Different sized materials may require longer, shorter, or even wider forks. If you work with odd shaped material, you may even consider a specialized attachment.
What weight capacity will your forklift need to handle?
This one is simple: the heavier the load, the larger the forklift. However, larger trucks are more difficult to maneuver. Find the right balance that works for the environment. The dimensions and shape of the materials also affect capacity requirements. If you have a long load, the forks need to be longer to accommodate a load center further from the load back rest. Additionally, as the load center increases, the lift capacity decreases. In summary, a longer load will need a more powerful forklift than a short load of the same weight.
How narrow are your aisles?
The width of your aisles will help to determine if you need a three or four wheeled forklift, as well as if you should choose a sit-down or stand-up forklift. The important thing is to leave enough room to easily maneuver your unit while it is carrying your product.
How high will you store items?
Measure the height your materials will need to be lifted, as this will determine the appropriate type of mast. Make sure that the forklift will not fall short of where your product needs to go.