Forklifts are mainly used for heavy lifting and warehousing in the manufacturing industry. They are counterbalanced trucks powered by batteries or electric motors. Forklifts have a hydraulic mast at the front with several forks on the mast. The forklift is mounted on three or four wheels and is steered by the rear wheels.
Choosing the right forklift is very important for a company as it affects operating costs, productivity and inventory management. There are many different types of forklift trucks and each model is designed to perform a specific task.
How do I choose a forklift?
The main criteria to consider when choosing a forklift truck are the carrying capacity, lifting height, motor type, tyre composition and operator ergonomics.
There are several types of motors to choose from:
1. Electric
2. Internal combustion engines: petrol; diesel; LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas); CNG (Compressed Natural Gas);
3. Hybrid motors (internal combustion engine/electric motor)
The specificity of the workplace is a decisive factor in choosing the right equipment:
1. Indoor or outdoor operation
2. Height restrictions
3. Accessibility of the elements to be transported
Why use electric forklifts?
Electric forklifts are mainly used indoors.
Advantages:
1. Emissions: electric forklifts are more environmentally friendly as they do not emit any fumes.
This is why they are more suitable for indoor use, as no ventilation system is required.
2. Size: electric forklifts are more compact and easy to handle and store as they do not require a fuel tank.
3. Lifespan: they don't require much maintenance.
Batteries are easy to replace, so forklifts last longer.
4. Low maintenance cost.
5. noise level: not as noisy as other types of forklifts as there is no combustion.
Disadvantages:
1. operation can be affected by the environment, such as humidity or cold.
2. Initial investment is higher than models using internal combustion engines.
Why use diesel forklift trucks?
Diesel forklifts have higher operating costs and should be prioritised for outdoor use.
Advantages:
1. Load carrying capacity: they have a higher load carrying capacity compared to electric forklifts (120,000 lbs for diesel engines and 12,000 lbs for electric motors).
2.Autonomy
Disadvantages:
1. use of fossil fuels
2. emissions: not suitable for indoor work.
3. higher purchase price than petrol forklifts, operating costs fluctuate (depending on the cost of diesel).
Bulkier than electric forklifts.
Why use gas forklifts?
Gas forklifts use an internal combustion engine using liquefied propane gas (LPG) or compressed natural gas (CNG).
Advantages:
1. Quickly fills the fuel tank.
2. Long service life.
3. Can be used both indoors and outdoors.
4. Low environmental impact.
Disadvantages:
1.The fuel tank at the back of the forklift is bulky and may block the view.
2.Maintenance cost is higher than other types of motors.
Should I choose a reach truck or a counterbalanced forklift?
1. Counterbalanced Forklift: This type of forklift is suitable for extremely heavy loads. The weight at the rear of the machine cancels out the load on the front forks. These forklift trucks are mainly used indoors and on smooth surfaces and are equipped with adjustable support feet. Counterbalanced forklifts are most commonly used in warehouses. Counterbalanced forklifts are also available in three-wheeled versions for use in confined spaces.
2. Reach trucks: Reach trucks offer maximum lifting capacity and amazing manoeuvrability, so they are best suited for retrieving goods stored high up in warehouses, logistics companies or distribution centres. Reach trucks are designed to operate in narrow aisles. The mast stabilises the forklift by fixing the cab and driver on one side and the forks and forklift on the other.
How do I choose the maximum lifting capacity of my forklift?
In order to select the maximum lifting capacity that meets your requirements, the following questions need to be clearly understood:
1. What can the forklift truck handle?
2. What is the average load capacity in kilograms?
3. What is the heaviest load that needs to be lifted?
4. what are the dimensions of the load (in metres)?
The type of load is also important. Specially designed attachments can increase the capacity of a standard forklift truck to help you move loads more efficiently. The dimensions of the load determine its point of application as well as the length of the forks. Please note that the longer the forks, the lower the lifting height.
How do I choose the number of wheels?
Three-wheel forklifts are best suited for indoor storage, such as garden centres or DIY shops, as well as warehouses with selective storage and high racking. Four-wheel forklift trucks are best suited for lifting heavy loads on steep slopes or handling large machines.
Their durability on uneven surfaces means they can withstand intensive work.
Advantages of 3-wheel forklifts: Large turning radius, low cost.
Disadvantages: Maximum load capacity is 2,500kg. As the load approaches 2,500kg, the truck becomes unstable and spins. Difficult to use on rough terrain, gravel, etc.
Advantages of the 4-wheel forklift: Optimised for rough and uneven surfaces. Load capacity up to 8,000kg. Stable performance.
Disadvantages: Limited turning radius, 4-wheel forklift trucks are more expensive than 3-wheel forklift trucks.
What other important criteria should I consider when choosing a forklift truck?
Ergonomics of the forklift truck for the operator
In order to make the job less difficult, it is ideal to choose a spacious cab to allow the forklift operator to change positions, ease of access and movement of the spine and head for better visibility.
It is also recommended to avoid vibrations and therefore drive on a level, unobstructed surface, reduce speed from 9 km/h to 6 km/h during loading and unloading operations and drive with wheels in good condition.
Pneumatic
1. Soft solid tyres: radial metal carcasses with a thick layer of rubber, suitable for indoor and outdoor use over long distances, with good comfort and ground support.
2. Cushion tyres: for indoor use, designed for heavy loads, with good ground stability and a service life three times longer than soft solid tyres.
3. Traceless tyres: for indoor use, they do not leave any traces.
4. Anti-puncture tyres: recommended for road surfaces that are not very homogeneous or unstable, they are puncture-resistant.
