Is Your Forklift Purpose-Built for Your Application?

Any business regularly engaging palletized material needs a reliable forklift to keep things moving. But as anyone familiar with mechanical technology will admit, not every forklift is capable of the work your operation may require. Certain models are better suited to different environments or jobs than others. Is your current forklift model the right one for the job?

Finding the best forklift for any given job requires taking several factors into account: 1) what powers the machine, 2) how much weight it can lift, 3) what amount of space does it require to safely operate, and the list goes on. Every make and model touts features & benefits to a degree, but before you settle on any one in particular, make sure you understand the best way to meet the unique requirements of your application.

A Machine Uniquely Suited to Your Needs

How can you best determine the right forklift model for your application? For starters, consider the environment in which you work. A recycling center may want to promote an environmentally friendly focus and consider opting for an electric forklift as opposed to an internal combustion chassis. Alternatively, a warehouse that regularly hauls in freight from outdoors may choose a forklift better suited to outdoor environments and potentially inclement weather. What conditions will your forklift be exposed to?

Second, take a look around your yard or warehouse space. How high are the beam levels in your storage racking? How wide are the aisles? How heavy is the average load, and how far will drivers have to move it? Certain forklift models are designed to reach impressive heights or handle bulkier loads than others. Other models are better suited to outdoor applications with lots of room to maneuver, as opposed to lower capacity forklifts specifically designed to fit down narrow aisles.

Third, consider what type of fuel you can provide. Electric forklifts offer comparable capacities, speeds, and gradeabilities to their LPG & Diesel counterparts. The biggest factor is convenience. Do you have the necessary electrical supply that can support an appropriate charging station? If not, are you able to bring it in or would the infrastructure upgrades be too costly? We can model different scenarios for you and help you arrive at the most intelligent decision.

Making the Right Model for You

Forklifts are generally designed with specific work conditions and capacities in mind, and altering the machines is not recommended or, in some cases, not allowed. However, an excellent way to maximize the utility of your forklift is through the use of attachments. These specialized components can extend a machine’s reach, shift a load from side to side, rotate it, dump it, squeeze it, pull it or push it. One potential drawback is the added weight these attachments remove from the overall capacity of your lift.

Be sure you have an engineer accurately calculate the appropriate net capacity with the chosen attachment installed and adhere to all OSHA requirements for the notification of net capacities visible to the operator.

Improving Your Warehouse Operations

A reliable forklift is an essential component of any warehouse in virtually all industries. A quality machine can provide the necessary boost to keep a business productive, under budget, and on time with deliveries. As you investigate the right model for you, remember to consider what your industry and site location can provide as well as operational needs. The ideal lift truck should easily handle the loads you need moved without encountering problems from local conditions, running out of power too quickly, or constantly requiring maintenance.

Contact us to start your search for your purpose-built forklift today.