The Hiremech guide to choosing a forklift
Our simple guide will help you choose the right Forklift for your needs.
Forklifts come in many shapes and sizes and are designed for differing applications. For example, what type of forklift is best for indoor and outdoor use?
We know it can be difficult to choose, so we created a brief guide to give you the basics on each type of forklift truck and their uses. We hope you find this guide useful and that it helps you make the right decision for you and your application.
Not sure what forklift you need?
Feel free to get in touch with a member of our team if you have any questions about the options.
We have over twenty years’ experience working with forklift trucks and are therefore the best people to provide you with personalised advice.
We will discuss your needs and requirements, as well as your budget, to make sure that you choose the right forklift truck for your business operations.
Forklifts for indoor use
Electric forklift trucks are a logical choice of machinery for indoor use in warehouses and other buildings where items must be lifted and transported.
One of the main benefits of electric forklifts is that they do not generate any emissions. They are also quieter in operation, ensuring a better working environment for your people.
A site survey will assess your usage patterns and advise on the most suitable battery-powered electric forklifts for your application. You will either need to consider batteries that can last the length of a shift, or consider having a solution that can be opportunity-charged at various points throughout the day.
Other electric materials handling equipment is suitable for indoor tasks. Pallet trucks and reach trucks are commonly used in warehouses to complement forklift trucks or to fulfil tasks for which a forklift is not suited.
Forklifts for outdoor use
There are two different types of engine for outdoor forklifts.
We have a fleet of gas forklift trucks suitable for outdoor use. One of the main advantages of gas-powered forklifts is that they are easy and quick to refuel. The gas bottle on the rear of the truck can be swapped out in just a couple of minutes. As with any fuel source, it’s important to factor in the intensity of your operation to determine the total cost of ownership across the life of the truck. Don’t simply look at the purchase or weekly rental rate.
Gas forklift trucks are designed to cope with uneven or poor-quality surfaces such as yards. They can lift large loads, though bear in mind the importance of tyre care and usage when operating on rough surfaces. Gas-powered forklifts are versatile enough to be suitable for limited indoor usage, though it’s worth considering whether an electric solution may be better if you require prolonged indoor operation.
Alternatively you could opt for one of our diesel forklifts. Like LPG forklifts, diesel forklifts are very easy and quick to refuel. If your operation is intensive, with lots of journeys, heavy loads and longer shift patterns, a diesel truck may suit your needs though it’s again important to factor in the total cost of ownership when assessing the purchase / rental rate and operating costs.
Unlike gas or electric forklifts, diesel machines are not commonly chosen for extended use indoors due to their emissions. They are more usually selected for applications involving regular use outdoors. These machines are more suited to outdoor use and can cope with irregular or uneven surfaces. Our fleet of diesel trucks extends to lift capacities of 10 tonnes. A site survey will identify the most appropriate options for your site.
Other factors to consider
As well as considering where you will be using your forklift truck, you also need to factor in the weight of the items you need the forklift to lift.
Our fleet is made up of a wide range of forklift trucks, each of which vary in the weight they can lift, as well as lift height. When making your decision, be sure to factor in the weight of the heaviest items you need to lift as well as the maximum height they are stored at.
Something you also need to consider is the entry and exit points of your building. If your forklift needs to be able to move from one area to another or from indoors to outside, you need to make sure that it is compatible with the lowest door height.
If you want more information, call our highly experienced team today on 020 8880 3322.
Counterbalance electric forklifts
Traction batteries used in materials handling equipment require careful specification in order to match the needs of your operation.
Lead-acid batteries should be selected on the basis of lasting for at least one standard shift before needing a recharge, and the recharge station must be in a dry, well-ventilated area. Alternatively, you may have lithium-ion batteries which can be opportunity-charged during shift breaks. We can provide advice on the battery care and maintenance that would meet your needs.
Electric forklifts are quiet, another plus for indoor use, and do not need storage areas for gas or diesel fuel.
Pros for the counterbalance electric forklift
- No emissions
- Quieter in operation
- Replaceable, rechargeable batteries
- No storage required for diesel fuel or LPG bottles
- Low cost per hour of operation
Cons for the counterbalance electric forklift
- Limited suitability for outdoor use
- Initial investment value
- Battery charge area required
- Charge time or spare units to be accounted for
- Time required to change battery
Counterbalance gas forklifts
Gas forklifts run on LPG. They can be refuelled quickly and easily, but they require storage for the fuel, and as with diesel, the fuel cost needs to be factored into the overall running cost.
Gas powered forklifts are ideally suited to outdoor use, but they can also be used indoors in well-ventilated areas for short periods, as they do produce emissions. These trucks can generally handle rugged or uneven terrain and handle larger loads, up to 10,000 kilos.
Pros for the counterbalance gas forklift
- Suitable for indoor and outdoor use
- Quick to refuel
- Can cope with uneven surfaces
- High load capacities
Cons for the counterbalance gas forklift
- Not for continuous indoor use
- Fuel costs
- Storage for fuel
- Higher operating cost
Counterbalance diesel forklifts
Diesel forklifts run on “white” diesel fuel. Our site survey will identify the right trucks for your application.
With fuel-efficient engines and a total cost of ownership mindset, you can budget appropriately for your operation. Even with modern engines, diesel-powered forklifts are not suited to prolonged use indoors. They are most appropriate for outdoor use and many can handle rugged or rough terrain.
Pros for the counterbalance diesel forklift
- Suited to outdoor use
- Quick and conventional to refuel
- Good on uneven and irregular surfaces
- High load capacities
Cons for the counterbalance diesel forklift
- Emissions when indoors
- Fuel prices impact total cost of ownership
- Storage space for fuel
Pallet trucks
Pallet trucks are commonly used as a pedestrian means for moving individual pallets.
They only raise the load enough to clear the ground so that they can be moved. Manual handling guidance would recommend the use of battery powered options if load journeys are going to be frequent and/or heavy. Productivity will also be improved with powered options.
Pros for pallet trucks
- Inexpensive to acquire
- Offer flexibility for simple tasks
- No emissions
- Very easy to operate
Cons for pallet trucks
- Low lift height
- Specific to certain pallet types
Reach trucks
Reach trucks contribute to the best warehouse space utilisation throughout.
Versatile and manoeuverable, these trucks are perfect for putting away or retrieving pallets at height and in narrow aisles. The carriage of the mast extends forward to enable the picking of the pallet, allowing the operator total control.
Reach trucks have the capability to stack loads in excess of 12 metres high, are electric-powered and exclusively for indoor use. Operating on solid wheels, they are for smooth concrete surfaces as found in warehouses and distribution centres.
Pros for reach trucks
- Ideally suited for negotiating aisles of racking
- Significant lift heights
- Excellent manouevrability
- Mast extension for complete control
Cons for reach trucks
- Indoor use only
- Suitable for limited range of tasks
- Charging time must be allowed
