How to Choose the Right Forklift for Your Warehousing Needs

While many people are under the impression that a forklift is just a standard piece of lifting equipment, the truth is that a forklift is so much more – it is a customised piece of lifting equipment built for the end user’s specific needs. No forklift can meet every need, which means that when it comes to choosing the right type for your precise warehousing needs, there is more to the task than what meets the eye. An important choice that can affect everything from employee safety, operation costs and warehouse efficiency, to stock management – there are many types of forklifts on the market, so how do you know what type is right for your warehousing needs? Below are several important factors to consider when choosing the right forklift for you.

Power Source Type: Electric, Gas or Petrol?

Availability of fuel and indoor or outdoor conditions are factors that should influence the power source of choice. If you’re looking for an indoor forklift that can offer clean emissions, greater manoeuvrability and a longer life span, then electric forklifts are the rule. However, if you’re looking for an even longer lifespan, lower maintenance costs and quick refuelling compared to charging an electric forklift, then a gas forklift will benefit you the most. Furthermore, if you’re looking for outdoor power, reliability, and even lower running costs compared to electric or gas, then petrol is the right power source for you.

Know the Load Capacity and Lift Height Required

Rated by how much they can lift, forklifts can range anywhere from 2 000 to 65 000 pounds or more. While the load capacity should also greatly influence the type of forklift that you should choose, it’s important to understand that the more the workhorse can lift, the more expensive it will be. While gas and petrol forklifts usually have the largest load capacity for outside usage, electric forklifts are best suited for lifting food, books, clothes or similar products indoors. Furthermore, other factors, such as narrow aisles and floor conditions should also be considered. Also keep in mind that knowing your required lift height is just as important and will affect the load-carrying capacity. While the average warehouse forklift starts at a lift height of 8 feet to 20 feet, there are forklifts which can lift much higher.

While it’s important to choose the right forklift for your warehousing needs, choosing the right forklift supplier is just as important. Situated in Sibenza and with more than 70 years in the forklift industry, we take great pride in ensuring that businesses reach their full potential. As one of the leading forklift suppliers in the southern hemisphere, we’ve earned an outstanding reputation by only supplying new and used industrious and steadfast forklifts, which include world-class brands such as Crown, Daewoo, Doosan, Hyster, Hyundai, Mitsubishi, Nichiyu, Nissan, TCM, Toyota and Yanmar

To find out about our forklift rental rates, new and used purchase prices, rent-to-own payment plans and after-sales services, contact us today.