As a business owner, you might not pay much attention to the forklifts in your warehouse. However, they are the unsung heroes, who manage the stock, boost efficiency and reduce the turnaround time for delivery of products. You can find a variety of forklifts for sale in Brisbane, but it is essential to choose the one which fits into your business processes. Besides being cost-effective, it must be easy-to-manoeuvre, comfortable to operate, reach appropriate height, carry the optimum load and do a lot more. Thus you need to check them on several parameters before investing. Here is a list of features which need to be analysed and the attachments which can make a difference.
Setting
The terrain where the forklifts will be used is of utmost significance as it will make an impact on the type of machine you will need for the job. From the size of the tyres to the fuel type, you must check what will suit your environment. You must go for warehouse forklifts if you need them indoors and pick the rough terrain models if you will be using them on bumpy or irregular surfaces. The latter ones are fitted with high-tread tyres which make them perfect for use in dirt-filled areas and steep surfaces.
Capacity
When selecting a forklift for hire in Queensland, you must pick those which can handle the load you want to be carried around. Calculate the maximum weight you want to be lifted by the machine and the width of the load. If it is too heavy and big, then opt for industrial forklifts which have a higher capacity. Also, you need to assess the load limit of your surface since a massive machine can damage your leased property.
Height
The masts of the forklifts rise up when the machines have to lift a load, so you need to keep the height of your ceiling in mind when choosing a forklift. Also, you must ensure that the machine can easily pass through the doors and passages in your property. Additionally, if you have a big place and want to store stock in the upper level, you must find out the highest point that can be reached by the particular forklift type.
Fuel
You can make your choice from three fuel types – battery, gas and diesel. The battery operated forklifts are expensive but prove cost-effective in the long run as they are highly durable and do not produce any harmful emissions. They are the best option for indoor usage and need to be charged regularly. The gas and diesel types are known for lifting heavy loads and being quicker. Thus they are ideal for outdoors. These need to be refuelled on a regular basis.
Tyres And Comfort
There are a plethora of forklift tyres available in the market such as cushioned tyres, non-marking tyres, pneumatic tyres, etc. You can choose a type depending on your usage and the environment of your business operations. Besides the tyres, you must give a thought to the ergonomics as an uncomfortable seat can lead to back and neck problems for the operators.
Forklift Attachments And Their Advantages
Forklift attachments are often picked up by business owners to amplify the productivity levels and make the job more convenient for the operators. It is mandatory for the operators to be trained in the use of these attachments.
Fork Positioners
This attachment allows the operator to reduce or increase the space between the forks effortlessly and quickly. It is useful in adjusting different pallet sizes.
Sideshifters
The sideshifters are quite common when it comes to attachments as they help in moving the forks left or right for enhanced alignment with the pallets. The operator doesn’t have to move himself or the truck and can enjoy smoother operations.
Fork Rotators
These are utilised for rotating the forks to 180 degrees or 360 degrees to dump bins and large crates that need to be rotated for emptying and transporting.
Forklift Clamps
If your business involves transporting giant paper rolls, then you need to attach these clamps to the forklift to avoid crushing or damaging the paper. They can be also used when pallets are not the ideal choice for transporting stock. They are available for both paper rolls and flat surfaces such as dryers, refrigerators, etc.
Push or Pull Attachments
These attachments reduce the dependency on pallets as the loads are mounted on a plastic slip sheet with a lip. The load is then pushed off the forks with the help of the push-pull attachment. They are cheaper and don’t take up much space.
Multiple Load Handlers
You can improve the competence of your forklifts by adding more forks which allow the operators to pick up more loads simultaneously and reduce the time taken to complete the task.
Endnote
Now that you are aware of the points to be kept in mind while purchasing forklifts for sale in Brisbane, you must ensure that they fit appropriately into your business functions. If you do not take note of their specifications, you may end up buying the wrong product.