If you are considering hiring a forklift for your business, there are a few vital things to consider ensuring the safety and productivity of your workplace. It isn’t a good idea to have a ‘one size fits all’ mentality, as most warehouse run businesses and logistics companies have different requirements for lifting, packing, storing and stock management.
In general, forklifts make it possible to lift awkward packages and heavy pallets safely, without physical injuries to staff members, and without damaging shelves, pallets and racks. Forklifts are pivotal in stacking warehouses, loading transport vehicles and organising stock, but, as with the use of most heavy machinery, there are risks and dangers associated with the use of forklifts, some of which can prove fatal.
That is why it is imperative to choose the right forklift for your proposed needs, and why you need to know a few key things about hiring a forklift before coming to a final decision. If you are unsure of the right forklift for your business, the best thing to do is to consult a reputable hire forklift Melbourne company. They can assess your business requirements in correlation with your load limits and recommend the appropriate forklift for you.
Choosing The Right Forklift
When choosing the right forklift for your company, it is best to do some research and planning before making any decisions. Some of the main things you should consider are:
Load Weight
One of the most important and critical decisions when hiring a forklift is determining the weight limits on each machine, compared to the weight of your proposed loads. You don’t want your forklift buckling under the pressure so make sure to choose one that can handle your requirements. Each forklift available for hire should have a rating plate attached to it, specifying the weight limit and maximum tilt angle of the machine. Not assessing the weight ratio can lead to workplace accidents and even fatalities.
Fuel Type
Forklifts generally run off diesel fuel, LPG, electricity or batteries. Deciding which one is appropriate for your business comes down to a few key factors. For transporting stock in mostly outdoor settings, diesel forklifts are the ideal choice. If most of your business is conducted inside a small factory with poor ventilation, a diesel or LPG forklift can be danger to the health of you and your employees. This is due to the harmful emissions produced by diesel and LPG, that when inhaled on a regular basis can cause serious illness.
For these smaller indoor warehouses and factories, battery and electric hire forklifts are the best options.
Tyres
Companies that do a lot of transporting with forklifts in outdoor areas should have air-filled (pneumatic) tyres which act as shock absorbers, and stabilisers over uneven terrain. These tyres are specifically designed to easily handle surfaces made from dirt or stone. Forklifts designed for indoor use on flat concrete have solid tyres, as driving over natural terrain isn’t required. It is important to know which type of tyres would best suit your circumstances and your environment.
Lift Height
All forklifts for hire have a lift height which you must adhere to. Assess how high you want the forklift to reach, and if it is strong enough to do so. The height of your shelves and storage racks needs to be known before hiring or buying a forklift.
Often accidents occur where someone has attempted to lift a palette load higher than the forklift’s capabilities, causing it to tip or buckle under the pressure. Determine the height of your roof and note down any overhanging wires, leads or signs which must be avoided. Failure to accurately do this can be critical. Ask your forklift company about the height limits on all their forklifts to find the most suitable one for the job.
Safety First
To ensure the safety of you and your employees, regular fleet checks should be conducted by the hire company. This guarantees you peace of mind in case anything goes wrong with the machines, or equipment you have hired. Always wear appropriate PPE around forklifts and ensure your forklift driver has plenty of experience. Warehouses often have coloured line markings on the floor where their forklifts regularly drive, to maintain a safe distance from workers and other machinery.
Hiring Your Forklift
Running a successful business has its fair share of expenses and hiring the wrong forklift for the job only adds to it. Talk to a professional forklift hire company about getting the right forklift for your business and find out what they can provide for you. With a reliable forklift you can safely and effectively transport and move stock without the need for back breaking manual labour. Contact a forklift rental company today and grow your business’ capabilities into the future.