Considerations For Picking The Right Forklift For Your Business
Forklifts are not designed to be uniformed to each other, rather they each cater to the specific needs of the environment that they are operated in. If you are new the manufacturing or logistics industry, then understanding the specifications of forklifts will be a big help. In this article, we will cover the different considerations that you need to take note of when picking forklifts to be acquired for your business.
Indoor Versus Outdoor Usage
The first question that you should ask yourself is if the forklift is intended for usage indoors or outdoors. This impacts the type of tyres, fuel and component characteristics.
For starters, indoor environments generally have smoother cement surfaces. These surfaces create less friction with the forklift, hence indoor forklifts generally experience less wear and tear. Moreover, they can be designed to be smaller and more compact. In contrast, outdoor environments’ terrains are typically uneven and rougher. As such, forklifts require more durability and power in order to operate.
Secondly, diesel, LPG and petrol-powered forklifts are used in outdoor environments as they offer more power. However, they are ill suited for indoor usage owing to the excessive emission of waste gases and noise that will be trapped in the environment. Instead, indoor zones favour electrical forklifts which operate with minimal noise and zero emissions.
Loading Capacity
All forklifts has a maximum load capacity that is predetermined by its manufacturer. For safety reasons, it is important that this threshold is never crossed. This is especially so if a forklift negotiates a turn with the loads lifted. At this point, both gravitational and centrifugal force may act on the forklift, thus throwing off its balance.
In order to ensure that a forklift together with its load maintains a good center of gravity at any point of its movement, it is crucial that you select a forklift that is more than capable of lifting the loads that you require.
Height Requirements and Restrictions
The height of your forklift’s mast needs to fit within both your business’ requirements and your work environment’s restrictions. Let us start with your business requirements. Before you purchase a forklift, you need to take measurements of the average and maximum heights that you need to lift loads to. This will allow you to acquire a forklift that can actually fulfil your operational needs.
However, you also need to check your work environment for any height restrictions. Most commonly, if the area has any low hanging lights or beams. The mast of your forklift needs to be able to fit under such height restrictions when travelling to and from the area.
Your forklift’s maximum and collapsed mast heights must fit within these needs in order for it to work in your area.
Acquiring a Forklift
To acquire a forklift, you will need to speak to an authorised forklift Singapore reseller or manufacturer. Be sure to inform them of your needs and working environment specifications; allow them to advise you on the range of forklift models that best meet your needs.
