Whether you’re hauling heavy loads in a warehouse or you’re moving things across a construction site, forklifts are the perfect machine to get the job done. While they can be potentially dangerous, they’re also powerful, and there are plenty of different types of forklifts out there for job sites to choose from.
If you’re trying to select the best for your business, it’s easy to see why that might be a difficult decision. Knowing your options and narrowing them down, however, can help a lot.
That’s what we’re here for. Read on to learn all about the different types of forklifts.
Warehouse Forklifts
This is the most common kind of forklift, and it’s probably the one you’re most used to seeing. There’s usually a spot to sit in along with twin forks that extend from the front. This is one of the best forklifts you can get to help with large quantities of inventory.
They’re great for loading and unloading pallets, as well as loading and offloading delivery trucks as they arrive.
Order Pickers
This type of forklift is typically used to pick, deliver, and even sort different materials from storage areas. They’re designed to lift operators to varying heights (usually up to 32-feet) so they can access warehouse racks. Rather than needing to tow along a ladder, they can keep one of these nearby and lift themselves to wherever they need to pull stock from.
They’re perfect for warehouses and storage facilities, and they come in handy for the moments you only need to pick one or two units rather than an entire pallet worth of items.
High-Capacity Forklifts
High-capacity electric forklifts are great for lifting large amounts of weight — anywhere from 15,000 to 40,000 pounds — and they don’t come with the fumes that regular engines give off. Some forklifts can even lift up to 80,000 pounds.
It’s important that you’re certified for operating heavy machinery like this. Luckily, getting your forklift certification online is easy and, a lot of times, companies will pay for your certification.
Pallet Jacks
There are a few main types of pallet jacks: walkie, electric walkie, electric walkie/rider, and center-controlled.
The walkie and electric walkie are both simply going to lift the pallet while you push to where you need to go. Pallet jacks are typically used in the retail, trucking, and beverage industries.
Walkie/rider pallet jacks are similar, but they allow you to either walk behind or ride on the jack while you’re pushing the product.
Center-controlled pallet jacks are similar to other pallet jacks, but the operator stands in the center and rides from there. These are supposed to be safer to operate, and they also lessen the chance of falling off the machine.
Ready to Operate Different Types of Forklifts?
Now that you’ve learned all about the different types of forklifts, it’s time to get started with one of your very own. Remember to always follow OSHA’s safety guidelines, and only allow those who are trained properly to operate the vehicle for maximum safety.
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