What are the key features to consider when selecting a forklift for your material handling needs?

Keep in mind Load capacity is impacted by distance away from the main body of the machine. So if the furthest thing your fork will have to reach needs an extended fork or a telehandler type setup, check the chart instead of the advertisement.

1. Load Capacity 2. Lift Height 3. Type of Fuel 4. Environment 5. Maneuverability 6. Mast Type 7. Attachments 8. Operator Comfort and Safety 9. Maintenance and Serviceability 10. Cost 11. Technology and Automation By carefully evaluating these features in relation to your specific material handling needs, you can select a forklift that provides the best performance, efficiency, and value for your operation.

I've found that overloading a forklift causes premature failure to components within the forklift and shortens its lifespan overall.

Height requirements and restrictions are important. Given that a majority of companies exceed height limitations and cram their shelve systems to max capacity. While the height at which the mast can go is important one must also consider the height reduces the load capacity of that lift. The simple and logical way to find a practical solution is not pushing the limitations of the lift or even getting a lift that can go higher. Simply lower the overall height of your shelving system to better compensate for the reach of your lift. There is no practical need for the lift mast to go 20+ feet into the air. It’s a fork lift not a platform for continuous elevated work. This should be on the bottom of the list not safety.

Things to consider when selecting gas type/electric forklift. Electric weighs a lot more than other types typically so what type of foundation the forklift rides on matters. Also charge time vs battery life must be considered. Diesel can't be used in confined spaces. They do have more powerful engines than other types and larger load capacity. Propane can be used both indoor as well as outdoor. Their are larger propane forklifts but due to propane gas combustion rate the engines usually aren't as powerful as a diesel engine.

Imagine yourself operating a getting into your car and the controls are unpractical, complicated, then to make things worse uncomfortable. Now imagine operating that vehicle for 8-12 hours 5-6 days a week. How long do you see yourself wanting to drive your car or for that matter even own such a vehicle? There is already enough contributing factors that can make basic operations difficult for the operator why add poor ergonomics into the spectrum. The majority of complaints in the workplace stem from the lack of adequate ergonomics and employers failing to provide their employees with the equipment necessary to perform at their best. Eventually workers under such conditions become disgruntled and your employee turnover increases.

It should be a top priority...that's why they list it ... sixth ... Just like oil companies saying "environmental stewardship" just talk.

Considero este punto el más importante y el factor clave para definir y decir los enumerarados anteriormente. La seguridad es un absoluto,genera elocuencia en las decisiones.

Hands down safety of the operator and others in the work area is the top priority, no matter what. There is zero tolerance when it comes to safe work practices. Safety must be the first thing considered when choosing the right lift for the right operation. A company should never cut on their expense when it comes to providing their employees the tools necessary for safe operations. Too much have I seen in the industry the preachings of a safe work environment and culture. But in the same breath profits, meeting demand, and volume of production supersede. There is no excuse to compromise safety in the workplace. Safety is priority number 1. This is an essential investment for the future of any company.

This is by far the most important thing to consider before anything else. Many accidents that have proven this, which could have been prevented if safety was the main priority.

When operating forklifts, make sure to do a daily checklist before you operate the forklift and after you operate the forklift. This will help keep you and everyone safe. If you notice an issue with a forklift, report it to your supervisor immediately. When operating, make sure to always look around for pedestrians or other items that you or your forks can run into. The forks are long so be mindful of turns and not letting the forks hit anything on a turn. I would say the most important thing is to always keep your eyes open to everything. When stopped, when driving the forklift, and when lifting items.