Things To Consider Before Hiring A Forklift

Selecting a forklift that best fits your business can impact productivity, safety, and operational costs. With several options to choose from, it might be wise to look at some of the important criteria before you decide. Getting to the bottom of things — from what equipment is best as far as what’s suited to the job to what fuel type is needed and if the operation is feasible on site — is part of finding the right forklift for your needs.

This guide will walk you through some things to consider before hiring a forklift so that you can make an informed decision that is suitable for the operations of your business in the most efficient way possible.

 

What type of equipment are you looking to rent?

When using a forklift rental service, it is important to understand your requirements first to avoid any confusion regarding which type of equipment you should hire. Power lift forklifts come in several different varieties – including counterbalance, reach trucks, pallet jacks, rough terrain, and more.

Think about what your company does and the type of environment that the forklift will work in. A reach truck, for instance, is made for narrow aisles, and a rough terrain forklift is designed for outdoor and uneven surfaces. Knowing exactly what equipment you require will allow you to choose the correct forklift to optimise efficiency and suit your workplace requirements.

 

How long will you be needing the truck for?

For short-term projects or work, daily or weekly rentals may be your best call. If you need longer-term use, on the order of months, a longer-term rental or lease may be more economical.

Have flexibility in mind in terms of delays or extensions, and ensure that the timeframe for your operations is clear, as any unnecessary costs can end up quickly accumulating. Selecting a duration that fits your needs will prevent you from wasting money and, at the same time, ensure the forklift is ready for the length of your project.

 

Which fuel source do you need?

The forklift fuel source you choose will greatly impact the equipment’s performance and efficiency. Forklifts are generally powered by three primary fuel types, including electric, LPG (liquefied petroleum gas), and diesel. 

Perfect for indoor use, electric forklifts run quietly, at zero emission and have low maintenance. An LPG forklift is extremely versatile as well, capable of working in both indoor and external environments and has rapid refuelling times. Diesel forklifts are the best choice for outdoor, heavy-duty applications as they have high power and endurance. Think about your operating environment, the availability of the fuel and the work type to select the appropriate fuel source for you.

 

Do you have any on-site limitations?

Take into account any limitations on-site that may hinder forklift operation before you rent. Account for your workspace dimensions, ceiling height, aisle width, and floor conditions. If your building has narrow aisles or low ceilings, then you may require a compact or even specialised forklift truck in order to operate correctly. Rough, uneven ground could require an outside forklift. 

Be aware of these limitations so that you can choose the right equipment that can safely and efficiently function within your facility. Confirm that the forklift aligns with your site’s limitations to avoid operational problems.

 

Load specifications

Precise load specifications are essential in choosing the desired forklift for rent. You must give specific information about the maximum weight, size and dimensions of loads the forklift will be expected to handle. That includes understanding the load capacity and making sure that the lifting capacity can meet or even exceed your operations. 

This means that if the load is uneven or oversized, additional attachments or equipment may be needed to ensure proper load distribution. The load specification ensures that the forklift you rent is not only capable of handling the required loads but can also perform without damage or operational disruption.

 

Costs

So, when you are renting a forklift, you need to take into account the rental cost and its ongoing operating expense. Prices may vary by forklift type, rental length and special features requested. Besides the rental cost, the expenses of fuel (electric, LPG or diesel), maintenance, and possible wear and tear are also included. 

Some rental contracts will already have maintenance included, with others charging extra for repairs or servicing. Make sure you include all the costs involved to see what the total investment will look like, so that you can choose a rental option that fits your budget.

 

Safety

Safety at all times should be your number one priority when renting a forklift. Keep in mind a few factors to ensure that the forklift you rent is something that is well maintained and adheres to safety standards, including things like load-capacity indicators, stability systems, proper signage and proper training for anyone who needs to use it. To be effective, operators need to be trained in safety practices, including the use of personal protective equipment, safe operating procedures, etc.

It’s also necessary to assess the workspace for hazards such as wet floors, narrow lanes or low-hanging obstacles and to verify that the forklift is appropriate for the surroundings. Regular inspections and service are important when managing risk; this will help ensure the equipment is safely functioning for the duration of the rental.

 

Ready to hire a forklift? Choose Alto Handling

Are you ready to hire a forklift that best suits your business? From compact models for indoor use to rough terrain forklifts for tough outdoor conditions, Alto Handling has the right solution for your needs. We cover you for electric, LPG, or diesel machines, and whatever your company or management needs, we send you helpful equipment to guarantee efficiency and safety. 

With our range of rental forklifts, industry expertise and customer satisfaction, we are equipped to support your material handling needs. Contact Alto Handling today to start your forklift rental process.