Forklifts are industrial workhorses able to lift and transport heavy items with ease. Whether you’re looking for forklifts for hire, knowing the different kinds of forklifts can help you make a better decision. Let’s check them out.
LPG Forklifts
LPG forklifts boast the same power and efficiency as traditional diesel-powered forklifts. But because it uses LPG as a fuel source, it does offer more advantages. Here are a few you might be interested in:
- Quieter compared to diesel-powered forklifts.
- Has better power to weight ratio.
- Offers lower vibration levels.
- Cheapest option on the market.
And while they’re one of the best-priced forklifts today, LPG forklifts are typically tied to more expensive maintenance costs.
Electric Forklifts
Pretty much in the same league as LPG forklifts, electric forklifts use a different power source other than traditional ones like diesel or petrol. Like any other forklift, these machines can haul heavy items in short distances although they are battery-powered. Here are some advantages you get should you decide to invest in an electric forklift:
- Quieter running operation.
- Does not emit smoke from combustion.
- Renewable and rechargeable power source.
However, electric forklifts bring a more expensive upfront cost despite its low-maintenance build. And while the cost of owning an electric forklift is more practical than gasoline-powered ones, you’d have to shell out a relatively large sum of money to invest in these machines.
So, if you’re interested in a non-combustible alternative, make sure to check out LPG forklifts and electric forklifts.
Now, onto the more conventional types of forklifts…
Counterbalance Forklifts
Counterbalance forklifts work by having forks to lift heavy load in the front and weights at the back of the machine to counterbalance the weight of the load it carries. These types of forklifts are popular because they offer you to move directly to the load as counterbalance forks have no extending arms. These types of forklifts allow you to move freely and maneuver in different directions. That said, they are one of the best choices for companies that move items and objects with a reasonable weight and require flexibility in their moving operations.
Counterbalance forklifts typically come with diesel engines and petrol engines.
Side Loaders
Side loaders are forklifts used mainly in warehouses. While the aforementioned counterbalance forklifts are designed to offer more freedom of movement, the side loader only allows lateral movements for loading or unloading large warehouse racks and shelves. That said, these types of forklifts are great for accessing narrow aisles and lifting long and heavy loads. If you’re running a business that deals with long materials like steel and plastic pipes, and even timber.
Industrial Forklifts
If you’re looking for a large-capacity forklift that can take on heavier loads, industrial forklifts are the way to go. As the name implies, these forklifts are made with highly durable materials for better longevity and a more hard-wearing build. You can expect the industrial forklift to lift reasonably heavy payloads compared to the aforementioned side loader and counterbalance forklifts. Because of its industrial-quality components, industrial forklifts require more power and generally come in gas or diesel.
Rough Terrain Forklifts
If you’re dealing business out of the comfort of a warehouse or even away from the confines of your city, investing in a rough terrain forklift is your best bet. Its components are specifically designed and engineered to withstand the elements and survive the rough terrains. This type of forklift handles outdoor lifting fairly easy and has seen more action in construction sites lifting heavy materials compared to sitting in a warehouse. They sport specially designed tires that are perfect for braving the elements and everything that stands in its way, be it a piece of nail.
Pump Trucks
Commonly called pallet jacks, these are small iterations of forklifts that specialize in handling small objects and allowing it to fit into tighter spaces. They make great lifting options for small retail stores that have relatively smaller warehouses. They’re also inexpensive and come in manual and electric varieties. For those starting a small business but deal with reasonably heavy items, pump trucks are worth checking out.
Reach Fork Truck
Lastly, one of the most popular ones are reach fork trucks. They are common in warehouses with racks and shelves highly stacked. Reach fork trucks can go high without compromising balance because of its stable base. However, the higher the forklift goes, the lighter the weight it’s supposed to carry. Check them out if your warehouse is designed to accommodate high shelving.
What is the future?
Petrol-fueled forklifts have been staples in the industry, but they are tied to several negative effects like noise and emission. However, all that has changed when LPG and electric forklifts entered the scene. On that note, they are now considered the future of mobility, having better renewable and sustainable power sources and less carbon footprint.