Choosing the perfect forklift for your business or organization requires a basic understanding of the styles and options available. This allows you to compare the various choices to your situation to decide what will maximize your productivity and make it easy for those using the lift. They are available from the most basic styles to styles featuring the latest in technologies to meet your needs, regardless of what projects lay ahead.

Types Of Forklifts

One of the first decisions you will need to make involves whether you will be using the equipment indoors or outdoors. For those needing outdoor forklifts, an internal combustion style is the best option. They are easy to refuel and have the added power to keep them going. Because they give off dangerous fumes, they cannot be used inside. Electric powered styles are ideal for indoors. They are quiet and only need to be plugged in and recharged to keep them going. They are the most cost-effective models for heavy lifting indoors.

These two styles often come in special designs to fit the needs of specific situations. Indoor lifting equipment is available in a narrow design. Called narrow aisle forklifts, these are designed specifically with full warehouses in mind because they can operate in a space as small as six feet. Tough terrain and soft ground is a common problem encountered in outdoor conditions. For these situations, rough terrain equipment has been created with extra power, larger tires, and other options so they can maneuver in these areas easily and stand up to the intense wear and tear.

Tire Choices

This is one of the most commonly overlooked options when it comes to heavy-duty lifting equipment. Making the wrong choice here leads to a significant expense and a lot of frustration. Cushioned tires are those made from solid rubber. They are a more affordable option and last considerably longer on flooring, making them ideal for indoor applications. Pneumatic tires are identical to the ones found on a regular vehicle. They may be more expensive, but they are superior when it comes to working outdoors because they handle the terrain far better.

A third style is a combination of the cushioned and pneumatic styles. Called solid pneumatic tires, these are similar to traditional tires with added layers of solid rubber on the outside. These tires are designed for places like construction sites that pose an elevated risk of popping or putting holes in tires. They are great on uneven ground and prevent damage to forklift.

Additional Options

A wealth of other options increases the convenience and safety of forklifts. A certain number of safety features are standard with all models. The requirements change depending on where you work and they do have additional features that go over and above basic standards.

Additional attachments can be purchased for the forks to increase the number of jobs they are capable of performing. These can include specially designed sleeves that make it easy and secure to lift round or uneven loads. Side shifting allows the operator to move the load from side to side without having to adjust the position of the equipment. Tilting is also available to help keep the load secure on uneven ground or keeping the item from sliding or rolling off the equipment.

With all of the options available in forklifts and the constantly changing technology, there is sure to be one on the market that will make your work as easy and as effortless as possible. The idea is to select one that fits your budget while maximizing your productivity so you keep your organization as profitable as possible.