Choosing the correct forklift

Atul Joshi
(B. E. Mechanical, International General Certification in
Occupational Health and Safety, NEBOSH,UK, Diploma
in Information Technology)
Email: joshishj@gmail.com

Factors
Environment (work area conditions, to determine which type of forklift
you require- Diesel, Petrol, LPG, CNG, battery or dual fuel)
Will decode the type of fuel to be used
Content of the load( affected by type of fuel used or not)
For example, battery or LPG/CNG operated forklift for closed not very well
ventilated areas(if diesel forklift used in closed environments the diesel fumes
will affect the working environment)
For example, battery operated for food items, so diesel or petrol emission
dont affect the food quality(the fumes adhere to food items resulting in diesel
smell to the food items) or LPG/CNG as they have practically zero exhaust
emissions (normally used for continuous use, if continuous use and if battery
forklift used then extra batteries are required as a charged battery will last
between 4-8 hours based on the type and make of the battery), whereas an
LPG or CNG will run after a refilled bottled is fitted and it on its way to work
For example Diesel/Petrol for open space handling of goods
For example Explosion proof for Hazardous and flammable environments

Factors
Load dimensions (determine the type of forklift
required, normal forklift, side loading forklift, special
purpose machine, etc.)
Size of the load
Type of the load (determine the size of the forks or special
attachment requirement)
Examples
Long-Length will determine type of the forklift to be used
Palletised, if palletised size of pallet to be handled
Loose Materials (possibility of assembling on a pallet or to be handled
loose only)
Bags (Jumbo)
Paper Rolls
Tires
Pipes, Rebars, Channels

Factors
Load in Tons or Pounds,
be as precise as possible in knowing the exact weight
of the load
Static
Properly palletized or bagged or tied in a bundle-Secure so
no chances of the load shifting while handling so safe

Dynamic
Needs to be stabilized before handling, example like to
secure the load with belts before handling so should have all
the necessary arrangement on the unit to facilitate the same

Examples
Type of load examples and solutions based on experience
Building materials-Tiles, Sanitary ware, Bricks (example choose Forklift with
forks)
Long plastic articles Rigid Water pipes ( example choose Side Loading Forklift)
Long pipes. Steel sections Flag poles, Lamp poles, I sections, Long Beams,
Pre-fabricated long sections (example choose Side loading Forklift)
Food items (example choose Forklift battery operated or LPG/CNG with forks),
so no possibility of contamination of food with exhaust fumes)
Paper rolls for paper company- (example choose forklift with attachment for
handling paper rolls, decide fuel as battery, LPG or CNG or Diesel based on the
sensitivity of the paper, if Diesel fumes affect paper quality choose alternative
fuel)
Cement products like Cement blocks (choose forklift with attachment to
handle Cement blocks)
Other examples:
With rotating attachments for maybe dumping of material operations into
mixers, hoppers etc.
With Carton clamps for handling Cartons
With Tire clamps to handle large diameter and heavy tires
Foam block clamps for foam factories
Coil ram for lifting Steel coils and many more

Factors
Load to be lifted at height
Make sure of exact heights and load dimensions
For example you need to lift 3 tons to 5 meter height
than choose a 3.5 to 5 ton unit based on your load
dimensions as every forklift if it is said to be a 3 ton
forklift will lift a load L x W x H of 1 x 1 x 1 meter to
the desired height as mentioned on the forklifts rating
plate, lifting loads beyond 3 meters it is always
advisable to consult the load chart fixed on the forklift
for understanding the exact load lifting capabilities of
the unit

Ask all your questions

While buying forklifts of any type

first clearly define what you want to get done(work at hand)

Consult suppliers based on the work at hand
Identify good suppliers, who have been around for a period of at
least 3-5 Years
Have a budget in mind
Look at all solutions or options available
Choose the best to fit your budget or be able to justify the cost
over runs in terms of the solution found and its clear advantages
of solving your material handling needs over a 3-5 year period

Keep it Simple and Smart

Please note practically all Forklift manufacturers are
manufacturing many components or even whole units in China
The Chinese content could be as high as 60-70%
Dont be afraid of these as the content is manufactured under
their supervision and they are backing it up with their warranty
Many machines are very simple in construction so the
maintenance is very simple
Many machines come with very high end electronic controls and
thus only possible by the company technician to maintain, if you
are in a remote location please be careful as these controls get
fouled by dust, high ambient temperatures etc.
Dont get stuck by paying high cost and unable to use the
machine
Go for practical solutions which work for you and in many cases
can be solved by your technician on site