Workplaces are like snowflakes. From a distance, they seem very similar but each one is distinctly different. So, choosing the right forklift for your facility can be a challenge.
Maybe you have narrow aisles and wide loads- or need to store materials very high, or on the floor. Each variable has its own requirements when it comes to forklifts, and there is a forklift for each need.
Let’s start with narrow aisles, a common situation in warehouses where space is at a premium.
The first question you need to answer is “How high are we lifting our product?” This affects the center of gravity on a forklift and makes the space the lift has to work in that much more important. The amount of space combined with the lift capacity of the truck will dictate which forklift you may need.
For those narrow aisles, ask us about a Four Directional Reach truck. This is an electric forklift that can maneuver North, West, East and South and still turn like any other lift. It eliminates the need for right angle turns which allows it to operate in narrow spaces.
In your research, you’ll also come across the terms “Counterbalance” and “Straddle.”
If you want to store product on the floor, there is an important distinction between the two.
A straddle truck makes use of outriggers to provide balance. These outriggers extend out beyond the front of the forklift- meaning your unit will not be able to get close enough to the rack to safely lift the product. If you can- lifting your materials to a bottom shelf on the rack will make a straddle forklift useful for low loads. Otherwise, a counterbalance forklift will be in order.
However, the Four Directional Reach truck we mentioned before can get closer to the rack so you may want to go that way.
The quirks in your workspace may dictate how you choose the right forklift for your facility.
Got questions? We can help!