Forklifts are essential equipment for the daily life of the logistics sector. It is important that the manager and professionals in the area know the types of forklifts and know how to choose the one that best meets the demands of the business — which includes the proper way to carry out cargo handling.
Given the relevance of the topic and the variety of equipment on the market, we produced content that presents the main characteristics of these tools. Our goal is to help you identify the type that will bring the best results for the company.
Read on and learn a little more about the subject!
The ideal forklift: what factors should be analyzed?
Technology is a great ally of business activity and the logistics sector benefits significantly from technological advances and launches. As a logistics manager, you are likely to find that there is a wide variety of machines and tools that support the team’s daily lives and make their work more efficient and safer.
But talking about forklifts, how do you make the right choice? What aspects should be analyzed before purchasing this type of machinery? Throughout this article, you’ll find the answers and learn how to choose the right forklift for your business!
Environment in which the equipment will operate:
The first aspect to be evaluated is the environment in which the forklift will be used, that is, indoors or outdoors. This data is important because it helps to eliminate some options from your list.
In the case of outdoor environments, it is advisable to invest in combustion powered equipment. They are cheaper and better adapt to the uneven floor of these places. However, for indoor environments, the electric forklift can be a good option, as it does not produce much noise and polluting gases.
Storage structure used:
The storage structure is another relevant factor in choosing the right forklift. Make an accurate analysis of your warehouse layout and see what the need for lifting equipment is.
Likewise, it is necessary to assess the width of the corridors and the height of the passageway. All of this interferes with the decision and makes the investment bring significant benefits to the sector’s productivity.
Budget available for maintenance:
It is impossible not to analyze the budget available for maintenance of forklifts. This is because, for the tool to work properly, it must undergo periodic reviews.
Therefore, it is advisable to analyze the existence of authorized technical assistance in the locality, the indicated time for changing the oil and filters, in addition to the general cost of replacing parts. If this account weighs on the company’s budget, there is the option to rent this equipment and, thus, reduce maintenance expenses.
Characteristics of the product to be Handled:
Finally, it is essential that the manager consider the type of product that will be moved and moved by forklifts. After all, fragile materials, which require the use of pallets, have large dimensions and volumes require specific machines.
What types of forklifts are most used in companies?
After knowing the factors that need to be considered when choosing the right forklift for your needs, we can present the most used types in cargo handling.
As mentioned, there are numerous models available on the market and, performing the analysis with precision, you will be able to find the ideal equipment. Learn more below!
Port forklift:
The port forklift, as its name suggests, is intended for operation in the processes of loading and unloading ships. For this reason, it has the capacity to support more weight than most models available on the market — some even transport tons at once.
Electric fork-lift:
This model works based on electrical energy from powerful batteries. Such feature makes the forklift emit a low noise level and is very economical.
However, it should be noted that it cannot operate in wet environments and in places that have uneven floors. In general, for the system to perform its function with quality, the floor needs to be smooth, clean and dry.
Manual Forklift:
The manual forklift needs a human operator to guide it and put it into operation. Still, it should be clarified that this is not an exaggerated physical effort. In fact, there are mechanisms, such as pulleys and bearings, that help with the work and make the lifting task less cumbersome.
Combustion forklift:
Combustion forklifts use a different energy source than electric and manual. Currently, the easiest models to be found on the market are those powered by gas or diesel.
Those that use gas have a higher load capacity than the electric model, but emit smoke. This detail must be analyzed, as in closed environments it can represent a significant harm to health.
Forklifts that use diesel have two advantages over those that use gas. Diesel is an easy fuel to be found, therefore, it has a lower operating cost. Furthermore, this is the model that has one of the highest load capacities.
Pneumatic forklift:
The last model to be highlighted is the pneumatic forklift
. This equipment is powered by a system based on air pressure (pneumatic energy).
Due to its characteristics, this type of forklift is often used in civil construction and mining areas. However, it is noteworthy that the transport sector can also reap good results from this investment.
Knowing the different types of forklifts is very important for the logistics professional. The manager who is concerned with acquiring more knowledge and keeping up-to-date on market trends is much more productive and efficient.
Therefore, after knowing the main characteristics of each of these models and understanding the aspects that need to be analyzed to choose the ideal equipment, you can be sure that your company will enjoy expressive results in logistics.
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