What To Consider When Choosing A Forklift For Your Warehouse

Forklifts play a crucial role in the logistics operations of all businesses. These pieces of material handling equipment are responsible for optimizing the movement of pallets across various sections of the warehouse.

The selection of a forklift is influenced by several factors, as each type is designed to suit specific warehouse or storage configurations.

The following are key considerations when selecting a forklift for your warehouse.

Warehouse Layout Configuration

The design of the warehouse layout, including the width of the aisles, is a significant factor in determining the appropriate forklift. For instance, counterbalanced forklifts typically function in aisles that are between 3.2 and 3.5 meters wide. Additionally, the ability to maneuver within the aisles is an important aspect to evaluate. In contrast, trilateral forklifts do not require turning in the aisles, as they retrieve pallets from the front and can rotate their forks to either side.

Type of Forklift Drive Engine

The type of engine used in the forklift can be either internal combustion (such as diesel, gasoline, or natural gas) or electric (including lead or lithium batteries). This choice is critical, as it affects the forklift’s suitability for operation within the logistics facility. Electric forklifts are predominantly utilized indoors to safeguard both operators and goods from harmful exhaust emissions.

Racking Height

It is essential that the chosen forklift can reach the maximum height of the racking installed in the warehouse. Counterbalanced forklifts are generally effective with racking systems that are less than 7.5 meters in height.

Weight of Goods

The forklift must also be capable of handling the maximum weight of goods as specified by the manufacturer.

A Comprehensive Overview of Forklift Types

The following outlines the various types of forklifts commonly utilized in warehouse operations:

• Counterbalanced Forklifts: Renowned for their exceptional versatility, counterbalanced forklifts are the most prevalent type. They are adept at loading and unloading pallets from trucks, managing inventory on racks, and enhancing the internal movement of goods.
• Reach Trucks: Designed for high shelving and uniform products, reach trucks are frequently employed in drive-in racking systems. The operator’s seat is positioned to provide excellent visibility while reversing. Standard reach trucks operate effectively in aisles measuring between 2.7 and 2.9 meters and can achieve lifting heights of up to 10.5 meters.
• Trilateral Forklifts: These forklifts are specifically designed for narrow aisle environments, typically ranging from 1.5 to 1.9 meters in width.
• Order Picker: Often utilized alongside pallet jacks and stackers, order picker forklifts facilitate the selection of items. Certain models can accommodate pallets and feature extended forks, reaching lengths of up to 3.3 meters, allowing for the transportation of multiple pallets or carts simultaneously.
• Side Loader: Ideal for handling large or elongated loads, such as pipes, side loaders possess a lifting mechanism that ensures stability. They can maneuver both forward and sideways without requiring wide aisles. These forklifts are often paired with cantilever racking systems, which are designed to store long or irregularly shaped items.
• AGV Forklift: The Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) forklift is employed in warehouses characterized by highly repetitive material flows, particularly those linked to production lines. AGVs operate autonomously along predetermined paths, utilizing either wired or laser navigation systems. In warehouses with elevated goods movement, pallet conveyor systems may serve as an alternative to AGV forklifts.