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Product Utilisation
The first factor to consider is how much you are going to use a forklift. For example, if you will have high utilisation across multiple shifts and where drivers will be using the forklift truck throughout the day, you may want to consider a truck that includes ergonomic features such as more comfortable seating and controls.
Total Cost of Ownership
With 95% of all forklift trucks hired instead of purchased, understanding the total cost of ownership for your lift truck is crucial. This consideration involves assessing finance costs, maintenance options, quality of construction and overall running costs.
Safety Features
Buyers of forklift trucks should prioritise safety by considering factors like stability, cab visibility, safety enclosures, braking systems, warning systems, speed control, restraints and emergency stop systems. Choosing the right forklift type and attachments is also a crucial consideration when it comes to safety.
Speed
When purchasing a forklift truck, consider any restrictions on equipment speed on your site. Forklift trucks have a maximum speed of 18kph but in practice, many companies install limiters to ensure that operators do not exceed site or area speed limits, despite the forklifts having the capacity for higher speeds.
Lifting Capacity
The capacity of a forklift truck is a critical consideration because it directly impacts safety and utilisation. You should ensure you assess the lifting capabilities at various heights to ensure the forklift meets your business demands.
Power Type
Depending on your preference and operational requirements, it’s important to assess how your forklift truck will be powered i.e., diesel, electric or LPG. Selecting the appropriate power type for a forklift truck is a crucial decision with significant operational implications. The choice should align with operational needs, considering tasks, indoor or outdoor usage, run-time requirements, emissions regulations and objectives, and available infrastructure.
Electric forklifts are environmentally friendly and quiet but have limited run times (though this can be addressed with effective charging and/or lithium options). Diesel forklifts offer high power and durability but emit emissions and are noisy. LPG forklifts provide versatility and longer run times, but require space for fuel storage.
Size & Machine Footprint
In almost every industry, space is at a premium. Considering space is crucial when choosing a forklift model to ensure they are well-suited to the operating environment. Smaller forklifts with tight turning circles are advantageous in confined spaces, promoting efficient material handling and overall safety.
Type of Forklift
Like any equipment, there are a range of different types of forklifts on the market. Understanding the variety of products a brand offers can help you find a solution tailored to your needs. Common types of forklifts include counterbalance trucks, reach trucks, order pickers and rough terrain forklifts.
Safety First
Electric tugs are designed to prioritise safety, especially in environments with a high density of workers. Their operational design minimises the risk of accidents, which can be a common concern with forklifts traversing through busy areas.
A key concern for many businesses when it comes to the safety of equipment is speed. Ride-on or driven equipment can travel at higher speeds than pedestrian equipment, with forklift trucks reaching a maximum of 18kph. However, the safety of large trucks moving through facilities and yards at speed is questionable, with many businesses limiting the speed of equipment to meet site legislation. Where loads need to be moved in busy, congested environments, an alternative solution – like electric tugs may be a safer option.
Versatility in Applications
Electric tugs are known for their versatility, capable of handling a wide array of tasks and the ability to move multiple loads at once. This makes them a more flexible choice in manufacturing settings, where the nature of tasks can vary greatly. Likewise, electric tugs offer the capability to move loads of up to 70,000kg with a single machine without compromising the safety or efficiency of an operation.
No Operator License Required
One of the standout advantages of electric tugs is the fact that they don't require an operator's license. This means that they can be operated by a broader range of personnel without the need for specialist training that is typically required for forklift operation. This not only saves time but also enhances operational efficiency.
Efficiency in Operations
Electric tugs are synonymous with efficiency. They are engineered to streamline the process of moving products, equipment, and materials within manufacturing environments. The ability to be operated by any individual means tasks can be completed more swiftly, avoiding the delays that might occur as teams wait for a licensed forklift driver to become available.
What are some of the benefits of electric tugs?
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1. License-free operation
One major benefit of electric tow tugs is that they do not require specialist licenses to operate. This is because, unlike forklifts, electric tow tugs don’t lift loads, so they do not fall under LOLER regulations (Lifting Operations ad Lifting Equipment Regulations, 1998).
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2. Reduced downtime
This makes electric tow tugs an ideal solution for intense production environments. Their license-free operation means any member of staff can easily execute controlled movements, removing the need to wait around for a licensed driver, and significantly reducing downtime. This makes them perfectly suited for delivering parts to the production line or transferring heavy loads through assembly stages.
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3. Improved workplace safety
Removing the lifting operation, electric tugs mean loads stay safely on the ground, enabling you to improve safety. Many organisations are opting for electric tugs to create fork-free operations, enabling them to remove the risk of collisions with pedestrians and reduce injuries.
With intuitive, ergonomic controls, electric tugs require zero physical exertion from operators, empowering staff to move loads of up to 360,000kg with ease and achieving a secondary benefit in reducing manual handling.
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4. Reduced maintenance costs
Compared to forklift trucks, the electric tug design reduces maintenance costs. With an easy-to-service construction, they deliver the most cost-effective solution that will deliver time and time again.
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5. Increased flexibility
With a modular design, electric tugs enable you to benefit from maximum flexibility. As a versatile solution, tow tugs can be utilised on multiple applications or move long trains of loads to further increase productivity.
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Toyota Material Handling
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Linde Material Handling
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Hyster-Yale Materials Handling
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Jungheinrich
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Crown Equipment Corporation
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Mitsubishi Logisnext
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Doosan Industrial Vehicle
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Cesab
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EP Equipment
Toyota Material Handling
Range of Forklift Products
Toyota Material Handling offers a broad range of forklift products catering to various needs and applications. Their line-up includes counterbalance trucks, warehouse equipment, and towing tractors. Whether you're looking for reach trucks or pallet trucks, Toyota has a diverse range to meet different operational demands and is well-known in the material handling industry.
Power Type
Toyota provides both electric and ICE engine-powered trucks. Their electric models are known for their eco-friendliness and low noise levels, while the engine-powered trucks excel in terms of power and reliability.
Load Capacity & Lifting Capacity at Height
Toyota’s forklift trucks come with different load capacities to suit various operational requirements. From high-capacity ICE trucks capable of handling up to 8 tons to smaller electric trucks ideal for navigating narrow aisles, they offer a range of options. Moreover, their reach trucks can manage heights of up to 13 meters, ensuring efficient high-level stacking.
Additional Comparing Factors
Toyota stands out with its commitment to innovation and sustainability. Their I_Site fleet management system integrates smart technology into their trucks, enhancing safety and efficiency. Furthermore, they offer comprehensive after-sales support, ensuring smooth operation throughout the product's life cycle.
Linde Material Handling
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Range of Forklift Products
Linde Material Handling offers a comprehensive range of forklift trucks designed to cater to diverse industry needs. From electric forklifts to diesel and gas-powered trucks, they have solutions that cater to both indoor and outdoor operations. Their range includes counterbalanced trucks, reach trucks, and even autonomous trucks.
Power Type
Linde offers electric, diesel, and gas-powered forklift trucks. Their electric range is popular for its efficiency and environmental friendliness, while the IC trucks are preferred for heavy-duty tasks requiring higher power output.
Load Capacity & Lifting Capacity at Height
Linde’s forklifts are built to handle a variety of load capacities, catering to different operational demands. Their electric counterbalance trucks can handle loads between 1.4 to 5 tons, while the ICE trucks can handle up to 8 tons. Linde's reach trucks also boast excellent lift heights, capable of reaching up to 13 meters, thus offering optimised storage and retrieval solutions at great heights.
Additional Comparing Factors
Linde distinguishes itself with its focus on ergonomic design and safety. Their trucks are designed with operator comfort in mind, featuring spacious cabs and intuitive controls. Furthermore, Linde offers a range of automation solutions, integrating the latest technology to facilitate smart and efficient operations.
Hyster-Yale Materials Handling
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Range of Forklift Products
Hyster-Yale offers a robust range of material handling equipment, including a diverse range of high-capacity, heavy duty forklift trucks. Their product spectrum encompasses large-capacity trucks, warehouse trucks, and container handlers, all designed to tackle different kinds of operational challenges with efficiency.
Power Type
Hyster-Yale presents a mix of electric and internal combustion (ICE) forklifts. Their electric series are characterised by zero emissions and quiet operations, making them suitable for indoor applications. Meanwhile, their IC trucks, powered by diesel or LPG, are typically deployed for more heavy-duty tasks, especially in outdoor settings.
Load Capacity & Lifting Capacity at Height
The brand offers a varied range of load capacities, ensuring you find a product tailored to your operational requirements. Their electric forklifts can handle loads ranging from 1.5 to 3.5 tons, whereas the diesel-powered ones can manage up to an impressive 16 tons, catering to heavy-duty industrial operations.
Additional Comparing Factors
Hyster-Yale is renowned for its innovative designs and technological integrations. They offer telematics and fleet management solutions to enhance their trucks' operational efficiency and safety.
Jungheinrich
Range of Forklift Products
Jungheinrich offers an extensive range of forklift trucks to suit various operations and applications. Their product portfolio includes electric counterbalance trucks, reach trucks, and pallet trucks, all designed to optimise warehouse and logistical operations.
Power Type
Jungheinrich primarily focuses on electric forklift trucks, offering a range that combines efficiency with emission-free operations. Their electric series stands out for its low maintenance design and operational cost-effectiveness, providing a sustainable alternative for material handling tasks.
Load Capacity & Lifting Capacity at Height
The brand provides forklifts with varying load capacities, catering to a diverse set of operational demands. Their electric counterbalance trucks can manage weights between 1.6 to 5 tons, making them a viable choice for a range of applications. Moreover, their reach trucks are capable of achieving impressive lift heights, facilitating effective high-level stacking and retrieval.
Additional Comparing Factors
Jungheinrich is recognised for its innovative approach, offering a range of warehouse solutions, including automated systems and comprehensive fleet management software. Their focus on ergonomics and safety ensures that operators can work with improved efficiency and safety.
Crown Equipment Corporation
Range of Forklift Products
Crown Equipment offers a comprehensive line-up of material handling solutions, including a diverse range of forklift trucks. Their offerings include counterbalance forklifts, pallet trucks, and stackers, all designed to provide reliable solutions for various industrial requirements.
Power Type
Crown Equipment primarily offers electric-powered forklift trucks. Their electric series is known for delivering exceptional power and efficiency, coupled with reduced emissions, making them a sustainable choice for modern businesses.
Load Capacity & Lifting Capacity at Height
Crown’s forklifts come in different capacities to suit specific industrial needs. Their range includes trucks capable of handling loads from small pallets to heavy-duty materials. Additionally, their reach trucks are designed to offer significant lift heights, ensuring smooth operations even in high-stacking environments.
Additional Comparing Factors
Crown sets itself apart with its focus on operator comfort and safety. Their forklifts feature intuitive controls and well-designed cabs, aiming to reduce operator fatigue and enhance productivity. Crown also offers a range of fleet management and service solutions, ensuring the long-term reliability and efficiency of their trucks.
Mitsubishi Logisnext
Range of Forklift Products
Mitsubishi Logisnext offers an impressive line-up of material handling solutions, including counterbalance forklifts, pallet trucks, and stackers, designed to provide reliable solutions for various industrial requirements.
Power Type
Mitsubishi provides an array of different forklifts and power types, covering internal combustion engines, electric and LPG, with their diesel forklifts able to lift up to 10,000kg.
Load Capacity & Lifting Capacity at Height
Mitsubishi forklift trucks come in different capacities to suit specific industrial needs, with reach trucks designed to offer significant lift heights, ensuring smooth operations even in high-stacking environments.
Additional Comparing Factors
Mitsubishi consists of multiple other well-known forklift brands, including UniCarriers, Mitsubishi Caterpillar, Nichiyu, Rocla and TCM. With a well-established heritage in industrial equipment, Mitsubishi is known for their wide product portfolio and innovation.
Doosan Industrial Vehicle
Range of Forklift Products
Doosan Industrial Vehicle is known for its diverse range of material handling solutions, including forklift trucks like counterbalance forklifts, pallet trucks, and stackers, providing versatile solutions for industrial needs.
Power Type
Doosan primarily offers reliable and cost-effective material handling solutions, which include a range of power options, including electric and internal combustion forklifts.
Load Capacity & Lifting Capacity at Height
Doosan provides a range of load capacities to accommodate specific industrial demands and offers solutions for varied stacking heights. Their 9-Series diesel trucks can lift loads of up to 16,000kg.
Additional Comparing Factors
Doosan Industrial Vehicle focuses on reliability, efficiency and keeping their customers’ machines up and running. Doosan states that they can supply local dealers with spare parts within 1-2 days to maximise forklift truck uptime.
Cesab
Range of Forklift Products
Cesab is a prominent manufacturer of material handling equipment, offering a comprehensive range of forklift trucks and solutions. Their product lineup includes a variety of forklift types, such as counterbalance forklifts, reach trucks, pallet trucks, and order pickers, catering to diverse industrial requirements.
Power Type
Cesab primarily provides electric-powered forklift trucks, emphasising efficiency, eco-friendliness, and reduced emissions. They also offer a range of other power options, including LPG and diesel, to suit specific industrial needs.
Load Capacity & Lifting Capacity at Height
Cesab's forklifts are available in various load capacities, ensuring they can handle a wide range of materials and loads. They also offer reach trucks designed to achieve significant lift heights, enabling efficient operations in high-stacking environments.
Additional Comparing Factors
Cesab offers a range of electric forklifts, with much of its core business focused on warehouse operations. Cesab also offers a range of fleet management and service solutions to ensure the ongoing reliability and efficiency of their forklifts, making them a comprehensive choice for businesses seeking dependable and user-friendly material handling equipment.
EP Equipment
Range of Forklift Products
EP Equipment is a leading manufacturer of material handling equipment, offering a wide range of forklift trucks and solutions. Their product portfolio includes various forklift types, such as electric counterbalance forklifts, reach trucks, hand pallet trucks, stackers, and order pickers, providing comprehensive solutions for diverse industrial applications.
Power Type
EP Equipment specialises in cost-effective, smaller electric-powered forklift trucks, known for their efficiency and eco-friendly operation. Their electric forklift series is designed to deliver reliable performance while minimising emissions and reducing the environmental impact, making them a sustainable choice for modern businesses.
Load Capacity & Lifting Capacity at Height
EP Equipment's forklifts are available in different load capacities, ensuring they can efficiently handle a wide range of materials and loads. The majority of their models are electrically powered, though three diesel options exist, providing up to 10,000kg capacity and maximum lifting heights of 6000mm.
Additional Comparing Factors
EP Equipment places a strong emphasis on operator comfort and safety at affordable prices. Their forklifts feature ergonomic controls and well-designed cabins to reduce operator fatigue and enhance productivity.