Choosing the Right Forklift: A Guide to Optimal Performance and ROI

Forklifts are crucial pieces of equipment that are indispensable for any company or shop that deals or handles heavy objects and materials. However, since forklifts come in different sizes, models, and capabilities, choosing the right one is imperative as it not only affects productivity and efficiency but also gives you value for money, or in other words that ROI we are all looking for. In this article, we will highlight the various types of forklifts and some of the things you should consider when selecting the best machine. 

Types of Forklifts

The most popular types of forklifts include:

• Counterbalance Forklift

These types of forklifts are commonly used in indoor warehouses and can come with either four or three wheels. They feature a back-mounted weight that aids in balancing the loads. They are perfect for small indoor areas where circular maneuvering is required.

• Reach Forklifts

These come with an extended lift height, which makes them ideal for loading high rise storage facilities. They boast some stabilized legs and some extending forks that help in pallet picking in indoor situations.

• Rough Terrain Forklifts

Rough terrain forklifts feature inflatable tires with thick threads that improve stability on uneven ground. They help transport heavy loads on rugged surfaces.

• Side Loader Forklifts

These forklifts feature sideways compartments that maneuver in the direction of the load. They make it easy to lift bulky and long items such as pipes in narrow aisles.  Also termed “order picker” lifts these are specially suited for flat hard surfaces and narrow aisles, perfect for warehousing operations.

• Pallet Jacks

These are compact size forklifts that can be powered either manually or using a battery. Although they aren't capable of lifting massive loads, they fit in tight spaces and carry small items in close quarters. Often found in trucks and warehouses they are inexpensive and indispensable. 

• Industrial Forklifts

This kind of forklift boasts robust hydraulic levers that combine an equal balance of reach and power. It is ideal for transporting and lifting heavy loads for industrial applications. 

Choosing The Right Forklift Style

When selecting a forklift, there are a few things you need to consider.

Load Capacity

The type of forklift you choose should be determined by your average load weight, the width of your load, the kind of stock you’ll be handling, and the heaviest item you will be lifting. 

Height Requirements

Another essential factor you ought to keep in mind is the lift height. Since there are forklifts that start from 8 to 20 feet up, you need to know whether your workshop requires special height requirements.  You will also need to note if you will be driving the forklift into a box trailer as in these cases you really would prefer a “Truckers Mast”

Indoor vs. outdoor use

You should also choose a forklift depending on where it will be used. If it is for indoor use, you will have plenty of options. If it is for outdoor use, you can select the best machine, such as the rough terrain forklift, pneumatic tire, farm and field use and even 4 Wheel Drive.

Powering 

Depending on your workshop needs, you will also need to decide the forklift powering option that will be ideal for your business. If you do more lifting activities inside the building, electric-powered forklifts will be the best option. For those that deal with the outdoor lifting, forklifts that are powered by internal combustion are ideal. Here, you can choose diesel, gas, or propane.

Ergonomics

Forklift ergonomics are also crucial factors to consider when making a purchase. A high-quality and easily adjustable seat is imperative to allow operators to adjust when they operate the machine for hours. The positioning of the controls is also a critical factor to consider. Choosing a forklift with quality ergonomics lowers the chances of injuries and guarantees comfort that can lead to improved productivity. 

Southern Fabricating Machinery Sales staff can help you select the right forklift for your operations. Call us at 1-813-444-4555 for immediate help or visit our website at www.southernfabsales.com for more info.