Before hiring a forklift, there are many important questions to ask and research to carry out to help you make the right decision. This will not only ensure that your work is carried out efficiently but also safely and cost-effectively
When renting a forklift you will need to consider multiple factors, such as forklift type (electric forklifts, Lithium Ion or Internal Combustion forklifts, LPG gas, Petrol, Deisel), the load type, height, wheel type (white non marking, pneumatic, solids), Safety lighting and operator licences. Working out all these elements of forklift hire can seem like a daunting task but we’ve outlined some of our top tips that can assist you in your forklift hire below.
You should also research the product / brand that may be supplied for example is it a TCM, Manitou or Jungheinrich and which would suit your requirements the best.
Table of Contents
Operating environment
Some of the first questions you’ll need to ask before hiring a used, new or refurbished forklift are: How long will the forklift need to be running for and what type of environment will it be operating in?
The fuel type of your forklift is an important factor to consider in your forklift hire and your operating environment. If you will be operating your forklift indoors, be mindful of what fuel your forklift requires. For example, electric forklifts are much more environmentally friendly than diesel forklifts which produce strong fumes. This is especially concerning for areas where you may be transporting food but also for the wellbeing of your colleagues. Assessing the layout of your indoor environment in terms of aisle width and height restrictions will also contribute to your decision when hiring a used, new or refurbished forklift.
Also consider run times, if you are going to be using the forklift for extended periods of time (one day, one week, one month, 3 months, 6 months, 12 months or a longer lease of 3 years / 36 months or 5 years 60 months), then you may consider an electric forklift. They have more run time and certain models such as the EFG from Jungheinrich will be more comfortable for the operator to use when operating for long periods of time.
Load weight requirements
In addition to establishing what environment your used, new or refurbished forklift will be working in, it’s also imperative that you work out the details of the loads your forklift will be carrying. With a large range of forklifts on the market, it’s not just a ‘one-size-fits-all’, there are now forklifts for every suitability available forklift hire.
Assessing the load weight, shape and size will go a long way in helping you decide which used, new or refurbished forklift you choose. Be sure to always check the manufacturer rating plate on each forklift and forklift attachment you view. This will be installed on every unit. If you don’t prioritise this as part of your forklift hire, you will run the risk of a variety of issues arising such as product loss, equipment or shelf damage, hurting colleagues or yourself – the list goes on.
Lift height requirements
When hiring a used, new or refurbished forklift, establishing the height and racking depth requirements is just as important as confirming the load weight and size. Aside from working out the height to weight ratio when offloading and unloading materials from packing shelves, the height restrictions and isle width between the racking of the area you’ll be working in will also need to be accounted for. Again, this will be determined by whether or not you’re working indoors or outdoors. You will need to consider if the area you are operating your used forklift in will be affected by any obstructions such as lights, hanging objects and more. Having sufficient headroom is also something you will need to plan for. Omitting important height requirements factors in your forklift hire can not only affect productivity but may also cause potential injury to you or others.
Length of rental
The amount of work you need to accomplish will greatly affect your choice of forklift hire, especially in terms of how long you rent it for. The longer the work takes, the more lengthy the rental duration is – and the higher your costs will be.
If your budget is small, and you think you can be productive in a shorter time frame by working longer hours, consider hiring a used forklift for a shorter period to save you money. On the other hand, it’s advisable to assess whether the costs of hiring a forklift for a longer period are outweighed by increased production.
Allstar Access Hire can help you with any forklift hire needs you have.
Type of forklift
The type of used forklift you choose is also an important factor in your forklift hire. Electric forklifts have greatly risen in popularity, especially over the past few years and seem to be surpassing internal combustion (IC) forklifts in demand. Electric forklifts have more technical capabilities which means increased productivity. They are also far quieter, which means less noise pollution. Electric forklifts are also considerably more environmentally friendly, meaning a safer and more comfortable work environment for you and your colleagues.
Do your homework on the rental company
A key element of any rental agreement, not just forklift hire, is: always read the fine print. Make sure you shop around before deciding to hire a used, new or refurbished forklift. It’s important to properly study whether the rental company has any clauses, hidden costs or additional maintenance fees before you agree to a forklift hire contract. It’s also worthwhile while learning the insurance policies and costs that each forklift rental company has. Be it deciding on electric forklifts or how long you will need a used, new or refurbished forklift for, preparing to hire a forklift can often feel like an overwhelming process. However, carefully considering these steps will result in you getting the best forklift for your safety and productivity requirements. For more information on used forklifts and forklift hire, visit jungheinrich.com.au
