Forklifts are critical for all manufacturing and warehousing functions. This indispensable machine’s first model was built in the United States by a company called Clark in 1917. The ‘Tructractor’, as it was named then, was used to haul materials between different departments of Clark’s axle plant. The practicality of the machine gained popularity for the next few years, and many companies started to invent and manufacture variations of the lift truck. Production increased after the introduction of the standardized pallet in 1930. The World War II further increased demand, and by the end of the war, lift trucks had spread to Europe too.
Today, an efficient forklift is necessary in most industries for smooth operations. Choosing the right forklift for your material handling needs is vital. It needs to be as productive as possible, while keeping in mind the cost-effectiveness, employee skills and training, frequency of usage etc. To make the best decision, always consider the following points before making a purchase:
- Daily usage of the machine: Before purchasing a machine, it is important to assess your operating hours and costs to decide whether you need one. Some manufacturers prefer to rent forklifts as it saves them from paying for repair and upkeep. However, if you use a forklift for more than four hours a day, it is cost-effective to purchase one.
- Environment of operation: The type of tires and the fuel source of a forklift differ according to its environment of operation. If your machine is going to be used outdoors, it will have to be equipped to deal with uneven surfaces. In that case, opt for a machine with pneumatic tires, or rough-terrain tires for especially unstable ground. Forklifts with internal combustion engines are best for outdoor work. For machines used indoors, cushion tires are the best fit. Electric forklifts produce no emissions and make no noise, making them ideal for indoor use.
- Type of Load: The size and weight of the materials to be carried by the forklift is a very important factor to consider before purchase is made. The average load to be carried, the size of the materials, how high they need to be lifted- different forklifts are equipped with different capacities for each of these functionalities. Different attachments (such as a weighing scale) can be added to your forklift according to specific needs.
- Movement and Maneuverability: Warehouse height and aisle width need to be taken into account when choosing a forklift. For stacking purposes, a forklift with a compact design and stable legs will be needed. Articulated forklifts are designed for very narrow spaces. Other operating spaces may have sharp turns and will require a tight-turn radius to navigate in small spaces. There are many attachments available for specific movement needs.
- Comfort and Safety: Operating a forklift can mean sitting for hours at a time. Investing in a machine that pays attention to comfort and functionality for user can have a great impact on employee productivity and morale. It will also lessen the likelihood of injuries and reduce the physical strain on the operator.
The average lifespan of a forklift, depending on the quality of the machine, can be anywhere between 10,000-20,000 hours. Hence, it is a long-term investment that must be not be made lightly. The right choice can have marked effects on efficiency and output. To ensure that a forklift functions well for a long time, one must choose an appropriate model and carry out proactive maintenance.
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