In an era of diverse companies and businesses, finding the right forklift may seem trivial and tedious. However, with a variety of different types of construction for warehouses and distribution centers, certain forklifts may be more resourceful than others. Furthermore, it should never be overlooked that technology has made commerce and industry faster and easier than ever before. With this comes increased supply and increased demand. Here are some things to consider when purchasing your next forklift:

Accessibility and Size of Warehouse

In the cases of narrow sorting rows or multiple floors accessed by service elevators, you will need a more compact and portable forklift to remove palates or skids. A walkie or narrow aisle forklift may be more optimal in these scenarios. Walkies can be used in any elevator or lift and narrow aisle forklifts operate as their name entails, in tight spaces.

Are There Any Bulk Lifts?

If your business or organization deal with bulkier or heavier orders, an aerial lift or stand-up rider may be your best bet. However, these are best utilized in factory settings where bulkier items are stored in tiers or multi-level shelving. Mezzanines are wide and accommodating, allowing for these rather cumbersome machines to operate to full capability. These are not to be used in narrow spaces and are a poor allocation of resources for lighter loads.

Traditional Pneumatic Tire and Cushion Tire Forklifts

For those who store many of their goods in storage facilities outside the premises or for those who are unloading goods from a truck on an invoice, pneumatic tire or cushion tire forklifts are the best forklift for the job. These machines are comparable to small transit devices and can take on a variety of different loads. As shipping containers are often mysterious in nature, these machines are versatile enough to tackle any task thrown at them. These devices are a great transport mechanism for larger facilities that need to utilize motorized transport to move workers and palates around. For organizations that conduct large quantities of commerce, this is a must-have. The drawbacks of these devices are that they can only be used in wide open areas away from workers and any kind of valuable tools.

Consider an Electronic or Motorized Walkie

Lifts that rely on the hydraulic power associated with pumping a lever or handle are unreliable. Plus, it is an added strain to workers utilizing these tools. The demands of physical labor are enough, take any measure you can to keep workers fresh and make their job easier. This can be achieved by purchasing electronic walkies, never hydraulic. Additionally, electronic walkies are usually lighter than hydraulic walkies and are easier to maneuver and manipulate under skids and palates. This can be time-saving and reduce the risk of damaged goods during transport and adds another layer of safety for workers to operate in.

When purchasing a forklift, take these few but still very important considerations in to account. Purchasing the correct fleet of forklifts can lead to increased productivity, a safer work environment and save any business bountiful amounts of time and money. The best solution is to own and assemble a diverse fleet of forklifts that are utilized best in different situations. Do not put all your eggs in one basket and simply order one forklift that addresses most necessities. Order several different kinds of forklifts that address all needs.