Which Forklift is Best for Your Business?
It can be difficult to know whether your business is in need of material handling equipment or not, particularly if your company is rather small. But actually, almost all businesses who rely on a warehouse or storeroom would benefit from the implementation of a forklift. There are many ways in which they could improve your operations, including:
- Increasing overall efficiency
- Improving productivity
- Effortlessly conforms with health and safety standards
- Can lift and transport heavy or bulky loads in little time
- Only one operator would be needed at any one time, allowing for other employees to carry on their roles
No matter what kind of forklift you go for, you’ll soon be able to experience the benefits and advantageous effects that a forklift is able to supply. From compact three-wheeled machines for use in tight spaces to high-powered diesel forklifts that are ideal for larger warehouses, there’ll be a piece of material handling equipment available for you, all from Refurbished Forklifts.
Which forklift is best for you, depending on the size of your business?
Choosing the right machinery to help improve your business operations is paramount to boosting efficiency and productivity when you need it most. As such, making the decision to purchase a forklift can be a rather overwhelming task, particularly if you have never bought one before.
But you needn’t worry, because this useful guide will help you to understand the type of forklift that’ll be able to seamlessly fit into your warehouse or storeroom operations, all without the pressure of pushy salespeople or hidden fees.
Whether you have a small business with a modest-sized storeroom or a large company with a vast, spacious warehouse, we’ll have an option that’ll suit you, your requirements and your budget.
Which forklift is best for a small business?
Typically, a smaller business will have a modest-sized warehouse. As such, there might only be room for a limited amount of warehouse racking or, if you’re conscious about saving space, your aisles may be closer together to allow for additional storage. If this is the case, then a three-wheeled forklift would be more suitable as they allow for excellent maneuverability in small spaces.
Opting for an electric forklift would also be beneficial, especially if the warehouse is housing consumable or perishable goods. This will also help to keep your employees safe as they won’t be breathing in fumes, something that is far more likely in a warehouse with limited available space.
An LP Gas forklift would also make an excellent addition to your warehouse. With a lower overall cost, low fuel emissions and quiet operation, these forklifts are an affordable, eco-friendly option that are guaranteed to enhance your business operations.
If your storeroom is too small even for our most compact forklifts, then we have an extensive range of varying warehouse equipment that you’ll be able to choose from, including:
Which forklift is best for a medium-sized business?
A medium-sized business would benefit more so from a forklift that can be easily maneuvered, steady on most surfaces and is also able to lift large or heavy loads with no problem. Therefore, a three-wheeled forklift would be an excellent choice, particularly if you have narrow aisles as a result of additional warehouse racking.
But a medium-sized business would also find a four-wheeled forklift to be of excellent help. As a robust, stable machine, a four-wheeled forklift is more likely to navigate rough or loose terrain with ease, making it ideal for use either outside or indoors.
If you’re just looking for a piece of material handling equipment for use inside, then an electric alternative could be just what you’re looking for. With extremely low emission and noise levels, an electric forklift is ideal for indoor use. Regardless if you’re dealing with consumables or not, this eco-friendly machine will provide the perfect solution no matter what industry you work in.
With the same advantages as an electric forklift, an LP Gas forklift is also a machine that’s kinder to the environment. It too has low emission and noise levels, making it perfect for both indoor and outdoor use, even if your warehouse is located near a school or residential area, as noise levels will be kept to an absolute minimum.
Which forklift is best for a large business?
As a larger, often more flexible space, a warehouse with ample room will be able to accommodate, store and make full use of a number of heavy-duty, sturdy forklifts. Where a three-wheeled forklift is great for navigating tight spaces, perhaps where racking has been installed to maximise space, a larger warehouse will, more than likely, get away with a four-wheeled forklift to help operations run as smoothly as possible.
A larger premises is also more likely to be spread out over two sites, and so a diesel forklift is perfect for travelling across rough or loose terrain – it’s never been easier to transport goods from one warehouse to another with the help of a high-powered diesel forklift.
If you’re trying to be more sustainable, then an electric forklift is an eco-friendly, quieter alternative to the more conventional diesel machine. It too will be able to navigate different terrains and uneven surfaces, whether that be inside or outdoors, regardless of the load it’s carrying.
An LP Gas forklift is also a popular choice for those who are looking to be more environmentally-friendly. Much like the electric alternative, an LP Gas forklift has low noise and emission levels, meaning your employees won’t need ear muffs or ear plugs in order to operate the machine safely.
All that will be needed, no matter which forklift you buy, is adequate training and safety sessions before being allowed to get behind the wheel of any piece of material handling equipment – this ensures the safety of themselves and others.
The benefits each forklift has to offer
Each forklift comes with a number of benefits, ensuring that every business owner, no matter what industry they work in or how big their warehouse is, will be able to experience the highly-advantageous effects of adding a forklift to their operations.
Regardless of the machine you buy, you’ll see an increase in productivity and efficiency throughout your warehouse and all for a reasonable, affordable price when choosing to go through Refurbished Forklifts for your material handling needs.
Benefits of a three-wheeled forklift
Excellent maneuverability – any forklift operator, with the right training, will be able to easily navigate narrow aisles and small spaces. Excellent visibility will also allow for the safety of others, no matter what size your warehouse is.
Increased traction – this forklift will be able to travel across multiple surfaces with ease and steadiness, ensuring the safety of the operator and others on the ground. This will also help to protect the stock the forklift is carrying, regardless of size or weight.
Long operating hours – you won’t have to interrupt operations by constantly charging or refuelling a three-wheeled forklift. You’ll have hours of operating time available to carry out tasks in a timely, efficient manner.
Easy battery maintenance – it’s simple to take care of a three-wheeled forklift, ensuring you’re reaping the benefits for a long time to come.
Benefits of a four-wheeled forklift
Ideal for rough or loose surfaces – perfect for use both indoors, outdoors, a four-wheeled forklift is the ideal solution for those who need to transport goods from warehouse-to-warehouse or for those who own an older building with wobbly or uneven surfaces.
Ability to carry large, heavy loads – if the industry you work in requires your employees to lift, handle and transport bulky, weighty goods, then a four-wheeled forklift provides an excellent solution. Rest assured that your machine won’t topple and injure those on the ground, nor will goods be damaged.
Perfect for outdoor use – with a robust, carefully constructed chassis, complete with high-calibre tyres with excellent traction, a four-wheeled forklift is ideal for use outside, so you’ll always be able to count on this machine when travelling across rough, loose or uneven surfaces – something that is more likely to be experienced in an outdoor setting.
Increased visibility – the operator will always be aware of their surroundings when behind the wheel of this particular machine, ensuring the safety of themselves and others in close proximity.
Benefits of a diesel forklift
Powerful performance – this will be able to get you from A to B in no time at all, no matter how heavy the load is that’s being transported. As a safe, robust alternative, you’ll always be able to count on a diesel forklift to get the job done.
Fewer maintenance issues – with more durable parts and components, your machine is highly-likely to stand the test of time with little repairs needed. Even if parts do need replacing over time, they’re incredibly easy to source and even more simple to fit.
Ideal for use outdoors – if you own multiple warehouse sites, or require a forklift purely for use outdoors, then a diesel forklift will be able to navigate loose, rough or uneven terrain with very little effort, ensuring operations can be efficiently carried out at all times.
Benefits of an electric forklift
Cost-effective – you won’t have to keep buying fuel for an electric forklift to work, thus saving you money in the long run when you opt for this low-emission alternative.
Eco-friendly – as no fuel is needed to power this forklift, the emission levels remain impressively low, which not only makes it perfect for those looking to reduce their carbon footprint, but it also makes it ideal for indoor use and for navigating tight spaces.
Low maintenance required – much like the diesel forklift, the parts and components that are added to an electric alternative are long-lasting and incredibly simple to source. Whilst winter checks are still needed to ensure the safety of the operator, you won’t have to do much in order to keep an electric forklift running for as long as possible.
Quiet whilst in operation – this too makes it ideal for use inside, although it can be used outside as well. This is a great feature, especially if your premises is located near a school or residential area where noise levels should be kept to a minimum.
Benefits of an LP Gas forklift
The initial cost is cheaper – you won’t need to buy an additional battery charger with an LP gas forklift, and they usually come in quite a bit cheaper than its diesel counterpart, making them one of the most cost-effective options when it comes to purchasing a forklift.
Suitable for indoor and outdoor use – diesel forklifts are better for indoor use whereas electric forklifts are more suited to work inside, an LP Gas forklift, on the other hand, is a more versatile fit. You’ll be able to operate this indoors and outdoors with little effort required, making for an efficient material handling alternative.
It operates fairly quietly – in comparison to a diesel forklift, an LP Gas forklift produces very little noise, making it ideal for use inside. This also means that it can be comfortably operated outside with ease, even if you’re located near a school or residential area, so you won’t have to worry about annoying the neighbours.
It’s more eco-friendly – its emission levels are low, making it perfect for indoor use, thus helping to keep your employees safe, particularly in small areas.
You won’t need to spend time charging it – don’t waste valuable time waiting for the forklift to charge, an LP Gas forklift is ready to go when you are, meaning you can be as productive as possible.
Here’s how Refurbished Forklifts can help you
Refurbished Forklifts are proud to supply customers with used and expertly reconditioned material handling equipment of the highest quality, ensuring that your warehouse operations go off without a hitch. No matter what it is you need and regardless of how big or small your budget may be, we’ll have an option that’ll suit your needs and expectations.
In addition to diesel, electric and LP Gas forklifts, we’re also able to offer used and refurbished:
- Pallet trucks
- Reach trucks
- Stackers
- Order pickers
- Tow trucks
- Scissor lifts
For all of your material handling needs, you’ll always be able to look to Refurbished Forklifts for cost-effective, high-calibre solutions that will stand the test of time. Whether you’re looking to buy your first machine, add to an existing fleet or wish to start one from scratch, we’ll have you covered – for more information about how we can help you today, get in touch with a member of our specialist, knowledgeable team.
