Forklifts are likely to be one of the most useful types of equipment to move heavy loads in a storage facility, a warehouse, or on a construction site. It can safely lift bulky objects and help to move them from one end to another. This is why it is considered must-have equipment in any job site.
Since a wide variety of forklift models and styles are available out there, it is essential to choose the right one to increase productivity and efficiency at work sites.
Each type of forklift is specifically designed for different applications, and each offers its unique set of features and benefits.
Whenever you are searching for a new forklift for your next project, this guide will help you to choose regarding its different types, functions, and benefits. This will further help you pick the right one for your specific needs.
Telehandler or Reach Forklifts
It is also known as a telescopic forklift, which has an articulating boom, making a combination of an aerial lift and a forklift. The double forks are connected to its arm and used to move loads and pallets off the ground.
A standard reach lift or a telehandler is capable of lifting weights ranging from 4400 to 12000 pounds with a height reaches to 57 ft in the air depending on the loads. This flexible material handling truck is great for reaching into congested spaces and weird angles.
However, to maximize productivity, it is crucial to provide your operators a certification from forklift school, which can not only reduce employees’ absenteeism, but also make them more capable of driving different types of lifts.
Warehouse Forklift
As the name itself implies, the warehouse forklift is designed in such a way that it works perfectly with the warehouse operations. This lift truck resembles a yellow golf cart having twin forks connected at the front. You often use this forklift in a facility to lift and move a large number of packed goods in inventory.
These lifts are excellent for loading and unloading warehouse pallets, as well as debadging and transporting materials from delivery trucks. Warehouse forklift has a few subtypes, including the side loader and counterbalance forklift.
Side loader has a sideways compartment which moves in the direction of the loads. It is ideal for lifting long items like timber and pipes and commonly used in steel service centers.
The counterbalance forklift comprises of forks in the front carrying weight at the vehicle’s back to balance the heavy loads. It does not feature extending arms, giving operators the ability to move straight to the load. It is best-suited where circle maneuvering is required.
Industrial Forklift
The industrial forklift also called a large capacity forklift which combines some of the features of a warehouse forklift and telehandler. While it can’t reach complex angles as telehandler can, it can lift loads much higher off the ground, unlike a warehouse forklift.
The industrial forklifts have heavy-duty tires and start with a 30,000 lbs maximum lift. However, the lifting capacity depends on models to models. It is ideal for both indoor operations like a warehouse and industrial applications as well as outdoor projects.
Rough Terrain Forklift
It is also known as a straight mast forklift, which is designed particularly for outdoor job sites, mainly on uneven surfaces. Rough terrain consists of sturdy, pneumatic tires that make easy for operators to drive on rocky ground.
The oversized and threaded tires give better stability and balance to safely transport goods and materials, which is why it is ideal to use at construction sites and outdoor applications.
Forklifts vary in aspects like their tire composition and fuel type to their height and lift capacity. It’s vital to consider these factors while choosing a forklift. With the amazing ability to lift and transport materials, forklifts are an essential piece of equipment on any job site!
