Different industries and applications require different kinds of forklifts. Forklifts are versatile machines that can handle various tasks, such as lifting, moving, and stacking heavy materials. However, choosing the wrong type of forklift can affect your productivity, safety, and costs. Some of the key factors that you should take into account before hiring a forklift are:
The load capacity: This is the maximum weight that the forklift can lift safely. You need to know how much your typical load weighs and choose a forklift that can handle it without exceeding its capacity. The lift height: This is how high you need to lift your load in order to store it or place it on another surface. You need to measure the height of your storage racks or shelves and choose a forklift that can reach them easily. The surface condition: This is the type of ground where you will use the forklift, such as flat, bumpy, irregular, or inclined. You need to choose a forklift that can cope with the surface without slipping or tipping over. For example, warehouse forklifts have smaller tires and lower ground clearance than rough terrain forklifts.
The fuel type: This is what fuels the forklift’s engine, such as electricity, diesel, petrol, or propane. You need to consider the accessibility and price of fuel options and their environmental effect. For example, electric forklifts are more silent and more environmentally friendly than internal combustion engine (ICE) forklifts. The mast design: This is the vertical structure that holds the forks and enables them to move vertically. You need to choose a mast that can suit your work space and provide enough visibility for the driver. For example, a duplex mast has two sections that can extend lower than a triplex mast with three sections.
One of the most popular types of forklift hire is the Manitou Telehandler. This is a versatile machine that combines the features of a forklift, a crane, and a boom lift. It has a telescopic boom that can extend forward and upward, allowing it to reach high places and tight spaces. Some of the advantages of hiring a Manitou Telehandler are: It can handle various tasks with different accessories, such as forks, buckets, winches, jibs, and baskets. You can quickly change between accessories with the fast coupler system.
It is designed for all-terrain performance with large tires, high ground clearance, and a powerful engine. It can function on uneven, muddy, or sandy surfaces without any problem. It has a large and comfortable cab that offers excellent visibility and ergonomics for the controller. It has a touch screen display that shows all the essential information and settings of the machine. It also has a radio remote control that allows the controller to control the machine from outside the cab. Another type of forklift that is commonly used in warehouses is the warehouse forklift. This is a compact machine that has twin forks at the front to lift and move pallets of goods.