There are various types of forklifts in the market, each with unique uses. For instance, some are designed for heavy lifting while others are meant for light duty.
Knowing what type of forklift you need can save you time and money.
Choosing forklifts for sale near me can be quite challenging, especially if you don’t know where to begin. Forklifts are designed to lift, move, pick, and place different materials. This makes a forklift the most valuable machine a company should invest in for transporting heavy equipment or loads on site. Here are five forklift types to choose from.
1. Warehouse Forklift
A warehouse forklift is the most identifiable type in the market. Its appearance resembles a yellow golf cart and has double forks extending from the front. Warehouse forklifts for sale near me are ideal for loading and unloading loads on pallet racking. They are also suitable for carrying heavy items from delivery vehicles.
2. Side Loader
A side loader forklift is part of the warehouse forklift, making it among the most common machines. It is often found in manufacturing companies that need bulky and heavy machines to be moved. This type allows the operator to stand in a sideways compartment when operating it to ensure it easily drives along racks and moves items without turning. This makes the side loader perfect for crossing corridors and moving long items like pipes.
3. Counterbalance Forklift
Counterbalance forklifts are a subtype of warehouse forklifts and have forks fitted in the front and a weight at the back to balance the weight of the carried load. Unlike other forklifts, this type doesn’t have extending arms, allowing it to move directly toward the load.
You can choose between a 3-wheel forklift and a stand-up. The 3-wheel is perfect where the job requires turning in circles, while the stand-up type allows the operator to get in and out between loads easily.
4. Telescopic Forklift
This forklift is also called a telehandler or reach forklift and has a fitted boom. It also has an extendable arm that allows it to operate like a crane and forklift. Its twin forks attached to the arm allow it to lift items. The standard telescopic forklift lifts at least 5,500 pounds of items to a height of 19 feet. Its design makes it perfect for odd angles and narrow spaces.
5. Rough Terrain Forklift
This type is fitted with pneumatic tires to give it stability and easily navigate rough or uneven surfaces. It is perfect for outdoor applications like construction sites and can lift at least 6,000 and 8,000 pounds of material. A rough terrain forklift is also called a straight mast forklift.
Conclusion
Forklifts for sale near me are available for different uses. However, with the many options available in the market, it is necessary first to understand your company’s needs. Without prior knowledge of what your company needs, you may buy an inefficient forklift. Therefore, take your time to understand your needs and get a suitable forklift.
