Forklifts are one of the great innovations in the material handling industry. It can lift and transport heavy load more efficiently. Because of its capability, it has become indispensable on any type of job.
Forklifts vary in sizes depending on their use. Although it can do different tasks that manual handling cannot, you need to understand the right size for your intended application.
Let’s say for example a standard forklift you may have in your workplace typically its width measures between 4 to 7 feet while its length is 8 to 10 feet. The dimensions such as the overall height, max fork height, collapsed height, overall length, fork length should also be taken into consideration.
If the application is mostly outdoor, the rough terrain truck is the type of truck ideal for the job, its length is greater than 10 feet and can lift a much heavier load. Rough terrains forklifts are great for the re-handling type of job such as in the docks, timber forestry, and in the construction sites.
If the application is pallet racking, the narrow-aisle types of machines such as walkie stackers and side loaders are perfect to fit between the aisles and can measure just 5 feet in length. Another thing to consider for this type of application is the lifting height the forks can reach. The standard lifting height is between 10 and 15 feet. Knowing the maximum height of the rack is important in determining the lifting height the forklift should have. Buy a truck with too short lifting height will make you purchase another one. Choosing a forklift with the right lifting height to accommodate your application can definitely avoid you from the hassle.
If the forklift is intended for warehouse setting, it is crucial to know the aisle width to determine what forklift size is ideal for the current setting. If you intend to acquire a standard counterbalance truck, the width of the aisle should be at least 13 feet to be able to safely and efficiently maneuver the truck and move pallets.
In choosing a forklift, you need to know how the truck will be used. Forklifts differ in many aspects such as fuel it runs on, lift capacity, fork height, wheel size, pallet dimensions, etc. When buying a forklift, it is very significant to consider these factors as well.
What’s Your Warehouse Aisle Width
Knowing the aisle width also determines what size of the forklift to buy. We all know that warehouses and other distributions stations are not the same. Some may have a standard aisle width which is 12 feet and the standard counterbalance can safely operate on this width. While others design their setting with aisles which are considerably narrower because space and access are at the premium in this type of businesses.
If you’re planning to purchase a forklift, it is critical to discern the dimensions of your aisles so that you will choose a truck that will work in the type of environment you have. Taking the time and effort in knowing the width of the aisle will save you from headaches troubles of acquiring a forklift that won’t work in your warehouse. You can supply that measurement when asked by the dealer representative. They know better in terms of giving you the right truck for the type of space you have.
Knowing the Forklift Pallet Dimensions
The pallet size you need in your business also has an impact on what type of truck you need.
Pallets are effective to protect the goods while shipping. In freight shipping job, it makes the handling more efficient. The pallets can be tailor-made depending on the size of the load, there are pallets sizes that are considered standard. In the UK, the standard size is 1200 x 1000mm. In Australia, it is 1165 x 1165mm. And in Euro, their standard pallet size is 800 x1200 x 144 mm. In Asia, the popular ones are the 1100mm x 1100mm and the 1200mm x 1000mm sizes. Pallet sizes vary depending on the standard of the country.
While in the US, the pallet’s standard size is 48 inches x 40 inches and weighs around 37 pounds. This size is being called as GMA pallets. The 35 percent pallets made in the US measure 48”x40” with deck board measuring 3” wide and 5/16” thick. Other common forklift pallet sizes are 42” x 42” and 48” x 48”. The pallet’s typical height is 6”.
A standard pallet can withstand the weight up to 4,600 pounds. While its individual weight ranges from 30 to 48 pounds. It can be made out of wood or plastic, though wood pallet is a much more common type. The plastic ones are more tough and robust, it is much more expensive to acquire.
Having the correct pallet size to accommodate the shipping needs is important for every warehousing business. If you’re not sure what’s the right size used in the type of products you’re handling, contacting a supplier will definitely help you with the technical information you need to seek an answer about.
What’s Forklift Load Capacity
While forklift size plays a vital consideration, the forklift can lift and carry heavy loads due to its capacity. The forklift capacity or rated capacity is simply the maximum amount of weight the truck can safely lift and handle at a specified load center. The forklift capacity has a direct relationship to its stability. A forklift that handles more than its load capacity isn’t stable and therefore can cause a serious accident. In determining the load capacity, you need to calculate the weight of the load in your job site.
You also need to know the load center. It is the horizontal distance from the face of the forks to the center of gravity of the load being carried. It can be calculated by measuring the load and dividing it by two (as long as the load is properly distributed and that it is placed to touch the backrest).
The truck’s load capacity is indicated in the data plate. Other integral information indicated in the place is fuel capacity, weight, brand and model, serial number and forklift type.
To Make a Finalization
Buying a forklift for your warehouse should be given due importance. It is a big investment. Buying a wrong one can put a big hole in the company’s pocket. Getting the right one will definitely accommodate the warehousing requirement. Acquiring a forklift is a complex process. Technical may be necessary so that you would not commit a mistake. The dealer representative will help you on this.
One of the things they will ask if you seek their help is the forklift sizes. They need to better understand the forklift dimensions, load capacity and other technical details for them to better understand your requirement.
If you’re buying a forklift for your warehousing need, the dealer will be a big help in determining what’s perfect for your intended purpose. Get in touch with them.
