Should You Buy a Forklift?
Transporting heavy goods can be a hassle, especially if you move them into a confined area. Imagine handling large items weighing more than 3000 lbs and with the wrong piece of equipment. This leads to frustration and an extended amount of time and resources to get the job done. This is why a forklift is a fantastic piece of equipment to have access to in times like these. Further to this, there are tons of industries where having a forklift adds significant value in getting the job done.
Some areas that benefit from the forklift include:
Dockyards – In the transport, loading and off-loading of bulky cargo. The moving and transporting of the goods to storage facilities as well as maximizing the time process of shipping and logistics.
Recycling Spaces – Consider the process of loading and unloading recycling containers and trucks as they move from receiving plant to sorting bays. The forklift machine is preferred as they can load and unload tractor-trailers, railway cars and even trucks effectively and efficiently.
Construction Industry – Construction sites tend to make thorough use of the forklift. This is true since many of the workers will rely on this machine to carry and transport heaving building materials across the site and even across rough and uneven terrain. It is here that the forklift is used to lift heavy equipment as well as in the unloading of pallets of bricks, steel and similar.
Warehouses – The forklift has common use in warehousing operations as well, and are used to load and unload trucks and in transporting of goods to and from the warehouse. This equipment can also help stack them on shelves. Using a forklift here makes it easier and more effective to work on high heights. It is here as well, that the forklift’s plate determines the maximum weight/load that it can lift. It is important that warehouse facilities recognize the several types of forklifts that are available for use in this sector.
These are just some of the more common perks of using the forklift. Added to this is that it is easy to maneuver on various surfaces, extended distances and also challenging terrain areas as well.
Reducing Physical Manpower – Enhancing The Workforce
This also means:
- Reduced points of error and downtime
- Minimized man-power labor issues which impact the job timelines
- Same job – more efficient resource use
It Can Handle It – High Load Capacity
The forklift is designed as an industrial piece of machinery. Depending on the type, most forklifts can carry loads up to 35000 pounds. But smaller ones can handle 3000-5000 pound capacity. This piece of equipment though first seen in the early part of the 20th Century is integral in today’s business success.
Various businesses will opt to rent machinery to get their specific job completed. However, if the majority of your operation depends on the forklift, it may be more feasible to purchase one outright and for your specific job requirement. This then lends to familiarity with the machine as well among designated staff. Training of the specific type of forklift can be done and the team members can even become quite competent in using the forklift machine, and be more competent.
Having your own forklift on site also means the wait for a forklift to be delivered is eliminated, while having an added asset on your ledgers. Purchasing your own forklift means that you should be aware of your current needs and some perspective of future use.
When a forklift is required, be sure to consider:
- What kind of load capacity will be needed
- The top load beam
- The cost of new forklift models
- The cost of used forklifts including increased operating costs
- Weight, dimension and shape with respect to load requirements
- Ceiling heights and aisle spaces if working within a warehouse or factory
- The liftoff space – approximately 8 – 12 inches.
Be sure to speak to your nearest dealer ahead of making a final decision.