What to consider when choosing a forklift in Houston TX?
Companies that want to have high-performance inventory management need to invest in logistics solutions to optimize the performance of the work team. In this sense, forklifts are the ideal resource because they allow for more agile and safer movement for your operation.
Choosing the ideal forklift for the type of work carried out in your company is essential to guarantee team productivity, as the equipment’s characteristics are directly related to quality management and process efficiency in Houston Tx.
The characteristics of the forklift must be consistent with the characteristics of the stock. But what to evaluate in these two aspects? To help you make the smartest decision for your business, let’s talk about the main points that should be evaluated when choosing a forklift in Houston Tx.
What to evaluate in the forklift?
To choose the best forklift for your operation, you need to evaluate the characteristics of the equipment. See below:
1. Equipment capacity:
The capacity of the forklift is the first point to analyze to identify the most suitable machine. The general recommendation for forklifts is that the load transported is 20% to 30% less than the total capacity indicated by the manufacturer. It is worth noting that most forklifts lose lifting capacity depending on the weight of the load being handled in Houston. https://emperiortech.com/
2. Type of tire:
There are different types of forklift tires, each with different indications. Understanding the resistance of these components is essential to working with the right machine. Solid tires can only be operated on smooth ground to avoid damaging other parts of the forklift. Pneumatic tires are more flexible and can be used on deformed floors.
3. Fuel:
Forklifts are suitable for indoor and outdoor environments. Combustion forklifts, for example, emit toxic gases that harm the health of employees. Therefore, they cannot work in closed spaces. They are also not recommended for locations close to other activities, as they emit a high level of noise.
On the other hand, electric forklifts can be operated indoors, as long as they are away from humidity and excess heat. Furthermore, they are very quiet, so they can be operated in areas close to the administrative sector or customer service in Houston Tx.
Another important point is the supply price. Combustion forklifts depend on gasoline, diesel oil or LPG (liquefied petroleum gas), fuels that can be quite expensive and have high market price fluctuations. Electric forklifts require a long charging time and cannot be used in humid environments.
4. Maintenance expenses:
The costs of a forklift are not limited to the amount paid when purchasing the equipment. Therefore, it is essential to evaluate maintenance costs before making the purchase. Find out how much a preventive inspection is, what is the ideal frequency to change components, what the price is and how much fluid the forklift needs.
5. Machine size and drive type:
The turning radius, maximum lifting height, the type of pallets used and the type of towers mounted greatly affect the forklift’s ability to operate. If you need a compact machine that performs precise movements, the ideal is to invest in an electric forklift. But if you need a robust machine with greater load capacity, you can invest in a combustion forklift.
What to evaluate in storage space?
In addition to the forklift’s characteristics, it is necessary to evaluate the storage space. Check out what to evaluate:
1. Features of the environment:
The characteristics of the storage environment can limit the operation of the forklift. If the stock is too narrow or if the height of the passageway is inadequate, the operator cannot work with the machine without bumping into walls, shelves or other nearby structures. Click Here for forklift rental in Houston TX
As explained above, indoor environments require quieter and non-polluting forklifts, so as not to compromise the health and well-being of the company’s workers. Learn about other good security practices for stocks and warehouses.
2. Storage structure:
The storage structure directly influences the choice of forklift. Based on the characteristics of the stock environment, it is possible to define the need to lift the machine and the type of movement required. The more vertical the stock, the greater the elevation required. The more fragile the storage structures, the more precise the equipment must be moved.
3. Characteristics of the merchandise handled:
When choosing a machine to move goods, you need to analyze more than just weight and volume. The fragility of the products is also extremely important, as more delicate items require more precise handling and therefore do not suit very robust forklifts.
How about improving your company’s logistics today? Discover the PT1654 forklift, an electric machine with electrically driven traction and lifting.