Which forklift to choose? Forklifts are devices that form the foundation of most warehouses and production halls. Choosing the ideal forklift for a specific company’s needs can prove to be a complicated task – many different parameters affecting the forklift’s operation are of great importance.

What to Consider When Choosing a Forklift?

When considering which forklift to choose, you should first determine the place where it will be used – whether it’s an outdoor or indoor storage location, whether distances are long, and whether the warehouse is high. Another necessary variable to define is the type of goods, for example, whether they are delicate goods.

Other guidelines we must consider when thinking about which forklift to choose are:

  • working time,
  • forklift noise level,
  • maximum load capacity,
  • device price,
  • operator qualifications,
  • operating costs.

As mentioned above, there are many factors that influence the type of forklift that will work best in a given warehouse.

Types of Forklifts

There are many different models of forklifts available on the market, including internal combustion forklifts and electric ones. We also distinguish the division of forklifts according to their special functions.

Internal Combustion Forklifts

Forklifts with internal combustion engines are traditionally powered by fuel or gas cylinders.

Gas forklifts are cheaper to operate compared to other internal combustion forklifts and emit relatively little noise and exhaust. They are often used for outdoor work due to fire and breakdown hazards.

Forklifts with diesel engines usually have greater torque and higher lifting capacity. They are intended for outdoor work due to the emission of solid carbon particles (in addition to exhaust).

Electric Forklifts

Electric forklifts use batteries charged with electricity. As a rule, their power and lifting capacity are lower (compared to internal combustion forklifts). They are ideally suited for indoor work in buildings and warehouses such as food warehouses due to the lack of exhaust emissions. Another advantage is very quiet operation and high safety of use.

Functional Division

Forklifts can also be divided according to the functions they are characterized by. When considering which forklift to choose, they must be considered, also taking into account the characteristics of the warehouse or production hall. Available forklift models include:

  • Rough terrain forklifts – ideal for work in difficult conditions (e.g., on construction sites), thanks to special tires and construction.
  • Forklifts with telescopic masts – have the ability for exceptionally large forward reach.
  • Walk-behind lifting forklifts or stackers – forklifts used for transporting pallets horizontally or in block systems and on racks.
  • High-storage forklifts – used in high-storage warehouses, lifting heights are record-breaking (several meters).

Proper definition of needs and conditions in which the forklift will work is crucial for choosing the optimal forklift for a given warehouse.