Tips For Choosing A Forklift

Whether or not you are a frequent visitor to Forkliftaccessories.com, chances are pretty high you either already own or manage a facility with a forklift or fleet of forklifts and have gone through the process of replacing one. There also may be those of you who are associated with new companies considering the purchase or renting a forklift. For those of you who fit into the latter rather than the former, here are some suggestions on how to choose a forklift.

Forklifts are one of the most versatile machines on the planet. They’re used by practically every industry in the economy from industrial to agriculture. There are two ways to energize the vehicles –- gas and battery.

There are models that can be operated on smooth surfaces and rough terrain.

Then there are a variety of attachments available that make these vehicles even more versatile and allow them to perform tasks that they otherwise wouldn’t be able to perform.

Choosing A Forklift

Just like your family automobile, a forklift comes in different sizes with a range of features. To select the right model for your needs, you need to first consider how you intend to use the vehicle. When choosing a forklift on need consider this:

• Capacity
• Weight
• Height
• Fuel
• Terrain

Capacity of a forklift refers to how much weight it can lift. To satisfy this criterion, consider the jobs you expect the lift to perform including the types and sizes of the loads you want it to carry. For example, smaller forklifts can carry up to 5,000 pounds and industrial forklifts can lift up to 30,000 pounds.

Weight pertains to how much weight the forklift can carry on finished or rough surfaces or terrain. Determine how much weight the surface the forklift rides on can support. Buy or rent the largest forklift you can, as long as the surface it operates on can take the weight.

Height refers to knowing height requirements of the lift. For example, when choosing a forklift you need to be aware that its mast rises as the machine lifts. If you want the lifts to be used inside, know the height limitations of the space. Make certain that the forklift you select can move through doorways and other openings of the structure in which you will operate it. The forklift you choose must be able to navigate the workspace safely.

Fuel refers to the type of fuel you want to use to operate the forklift. As said, there are gas fueled lifts that include gas or liquid propane and there are electric lifts that are powered by batteries.

It is recommended that you use battery-powered lifts if you want them to operate indoors. There are no harmful emissions making them safe in contained spaces. Keep in mind that you will need to re-charge the batteries every once in awhile, So there needs to be access to electricity and you will need to have chargers on hand.

For outdoor jobs it is suggested that you select the gasoline version lift. These forklifts can run all day without downtime. Still, as is the case with your family car, you will need to refuel it every once in awhile.

Terrain refers to what type of surface on which you expect the forklift to ride. There is a forklift for any type of terrain, but you still have to select the right one. It is suggested that you use warehouse forklifts for indoor operation. In this case, the surface is smooth. However, if you intend to use your forklift on rough-terrain outdoors where the surface is uneven, then select the forklift that can run in these conditions. These models include high-tread tires that can take on loose dirt, mud and inclines.

Remember, when choosing a forklift, safety is the first priority. Be aware of local building codes and regulations, train your drivers in how to use the vehicles safely, know how to maintain them, and train your drivers to inspect their vehicle before they use it.

(Next time: Selecting forklift attachments)