Guide: What to Consider When Buying a Warehouse Forklift

Your warehouse functions at its best when you have the right equipment. If you are in the market for a new lift truck or warehouse equipment we can help you work out what is important to you.

Perhaps your business is booming and you need to grow your fleet, maybe you need to rent some extra trucks to get you through the busy Black Friday/Christmas season, or your current forklift has seen better days and you are on the market for a replacement. Whatever your reasoning, we are here to make sure you take into consideration all the variables to buy the right warehouse lift equipment for the job.

Even for seasoned material handling specialists, weighing all of the pros and cons of each vehicle can be challenging. Forklifts that work wonderfully in one warehouse may not work as well in another, and certain trucks are helpful at different stages of the handling process. So before you decide if you need a pallet truck, a order picker, a counterbalance forklift, a walkie reach stacker, etc., it’s important to consider these questions:

Questions to ask about your warehouse and staff

What are the load dimensions and weight requirements?

Stronger does not equal better. Know the dimensions and weight of your loads. It’s recommended to get the exact machine you need now rather than paying more for a powerful one that isn’t actually necessary.

If you have a stacking system in your warehouse, you will need to consider the maximum height a forklift will need to reach.

Remember that a forklift's carrying capacity is affected by the height of the load. So, if the size of your lift load changes depending on the level of the beam, make sure you think about the heaviest load for your top beam.

Consider any breezeways, doors, low-hanging pipes or cables in the warehouse that may obstruct the lift truck.

If you require a double-deep truck, remember that the bottom beam must be sufficiently clear of the ground to allow the reach truck's legs to pass under it.

Measuring your narrow aisles to get an idea of what you need is critical; . To calculate, multiply the right angle stack width (the minimum space required for an empty truck to turn to enter a pallet) by the length of the loads, plus 30cm for clearance. Ask your dealer to confirm your calculations, Minimum aisle width = angle of stacking length + load length + 30cm

This can help determine which fuel type would be best suited to your needs as well as the quality and comfort level of the forklift

The warehouse may require a specialised battery charging space for battery-powered forklifts. This means that the power outlets must meet the power requirements for forklifts and be equipped with the appropriate safety features.

When thinking about forklifts, warehouse floors are often forgotten, but they are an important part. Damaged or weak floors can cause accidents or damage your truck. The type of floor will also determine which tyres your forklift requires, such as pneumatic tyres or solid tyres.

This is a question that needs careful thought, as the best answer will depend on your business and industry. Think about the operating temperature, warehouse ventilation, the size and layout of your facility, space available for charging stations, any health and safety regulations, and the products being moved.

Now that you have a gauge of what your warehouse material handling needs are and what the characteristics of your warehouse are, you may start looking at which forklift provider and dealer you would like to work with. As a forklift is a significant investment, it's important that you choose a brand that will give you the service and support you need. Here are a few questions to consider when deciding which forklift you want to invest in:

Questions to ask about the forklift you are considering

Where is it made?

Knowing where the lift trucks are made can help indicate the logistics for delivery and parts.

Many forklift manufacturers are providing increasingly extended warranties, but many of these are not legitimate factory warranties. Make sure you read the fine print and that you are getting what you expect.

Service intervals may differ between forklift types, forklift manufacturers, the application, hours of usage and the environment.

Energy efficiency is becoming increasingly important due to rising fuel costs. Ensure your investment is future-proof by choosing a more energy-efficient model.

In Australia, there are two different kinds of forklift licences that tell you what kind of forklift you can drive. The two types of licences are:

• LF Class: This one allows you to drive a forklift truck with a mast and an elevating load carriage equipped with a pair of fork arms or another attachment.
• LO Class: This class allows you to operate an order picking forklift truck in which the operator's control elevates along with the load carriage/lifting media. Your forklift operators may need to obtain different licencing if you get a forklift in a different classification from their licence.

If your forklift will be running all day, you will have to consider how and when any electric equipment will be charged or the service intervals and maintenance of any LPG or diesel equipment. For electric equipment, if you think a second shift battery may be necessary, you should consider a lithium battery as it allows for opportunity charging or plug and play swap out of batteries to keep you running as long as you need.

It is essential to think about the forklift's ergonomics and how your drivers will use the forklift. Fatigued, uncomfortable drivers increase the likelihood of injury, safety risks, and downtime, as well as being less productive.

The difference between a forklift with the bare minimum of safety features and one kitted with proactive safety features could mean the difference between life and death. Make sure you find a manufacturer who values safety and has the right safety features that will reduce the risk of incidents in a warehouse.

Each manufacturer and dealership will provide a variety of financing options. Speak with your dealer to determine which financing option is best for your business and will help reduce the total cost of ownership.

Top Hyundai High Performance Forklifts for Warehouses

At Hyundai High Performance Forklifts we help many business owners to find the right forklifts for their operation. Two of the most popular options are the BRJ range and the B-9U electric counterbalance range.

The BRJ range of reach trucks has consistently demonstrated market-leading energy efficiency and dependability. It is used in many warehouses throughout Australia and has proven its value in the market. It is one of a kind in the industry because it can be driven in either a 180 or 360-degree steering configuration with the push of a button.

The B-9U Series brings customer value to the next level by dramatically improving energy costs and enhancing powertrain durability. An efficient, smooth running and compact design provides enhanced performance and outstanding productivity, featuring dual drive motors, electric power steering, and the option of Li-ION batteries.

We've also included a list of some other top performers to give you some ideas. If you need assistance answering the questions above, please contact the Hyundai team. We are happy to assist you in selecting the best lift truck for your company.

BRJ-9 Range

13BOP

BRP-9

EAV

TSV

15ERS

18BT-9U

20B-9