Choose the Right Hire Forklift For You

Different forklift types are designed to be used for specific jobs and in many cases you could potentially be using a more efficient forklift.

Below are some of the things to consider when choosing the right forklift for you:

Maximum load.

Forklifts are designed to lift and move heavy objects. So the first thing you will have to determine is the maximum load that you need the forklift to carry. Choose a forklift whose maximum load capacity is a little above the maximum load capacity you require. It would be big a mistake to choose a forklift with a maximum lift capacity that is below your requirements, but it will also cost you more to hire a forklift whose capacity is significantly higher than the maximum load capacity you require.

Type of load.

The type of load that you plan to use with your forklift also matters because it will determine the type of forklift that is best for you. Aside from the type of forklift, certain load types are often best handled with specific forklift attachments to help you move the load more efficiently, eg a bale clamp on a rough terrain forklift might be the best way to move bales of hay around a farm paddock.

Maximum height.

Determine how high you plan to lift your materials to and ensure that the forklift you hire can reach that height with the maximum load you plan to lift. You must also take note of the collapse height of the mast if you plan for the forklift to move underneath a fixed height structure, eg a container or garage door.

Environment.

You will have to take note of the floor surface and ground conditions where you plan to use the forklift and whether the forklift will be used indoors or outdoors so you can take emissions into consideration. This will influence the type of forklift, tyres it uses and type of fuel that your forklift should have. In addition to this, many forklift hire companies do not hire equipment into corrosive environments like those with fertilizers, blood, or saltwater.

Fuel availability.

Before choosing a forklift for hire, make sure that the type of fuel used by the forklift is easily available in your area.