Beginners Guide to Forklifts 

Choosing the right forklift for your application can make all the difference in your level of productivity.  Many factors should be considered before choosing a forklift. Use the information below as a quick guide or introduction to the forklift industry:

Forklifts are classified by the Industrial Truck Association (ITA) as:

• Class 1:  Electric Motor Rider Forklifts
  • Used primarily indoors or loading and unloading trucks
• Class 2:  Electric-Motor Narrow-Aisle Forklifts
  • Used for racking applications to put away and pull product from storage.
• Class 3:  Pallet Jacks
  • Electric or hand-powered pallet jacks are primarily used for loading and unloading trailers and for short horizontal material handling.
• Class 4:  Internal Combustion (IC) Engine Forklifts (Cushion Tires)
  • Traditional forklifts powered by either liquid propane gas(LPG), compressed natural gas (CNG) or gasoline and used primarily indoors
• Class 5:  Internal Combustion (IC) Engine Forklifts (Pneumatic Tires)
  • Traditional forklifts powered by either liquid propane gas (LPG), compressed natural gas (CNG), gasoline or diesel fuel and used primarily outdoors

Choose IC or Electric:

• Decide whether an internal combustion forklift or electric forklift is appropriate for your application.
  • Internal Combustion Forklifts
    • Operate on gasoline, diesel, compressed natural gas or liquid propane gas
    • Primarily used outdoors, but can be used in moderation in some indoor applications
    • Can operate in various conditions
    • No batteries to recharge
    • Toyota’s IC forklift line can lift over 51,000 lbs.
    • Lifespan depends on application, use and maintenance
    • Noise emissions meet or exceed ANSI B56.1 Standards
    • Toyota forklifts are designed to meet EPA Standards for emissions
  • Electric
    • Typically less maintenance than I/C forklifts
    • Quieter with little emission sounds
    • No fuel-storage requirements
    • Requires a charging station
    • Batteries are large and heavy to change out.  Battery extraction equipment may be required
    • No tailpipe emissions
    • Lifespan depends on application, use and maintenance
    • Better option for smaller, confined areas
    • Load capacity limited to 3,000 to 12,000 lb. capacity

Determine Use of Forklift:

• Application:
  • Do you need to stack?
  • Is it an indoor or outdoor application?
  • What material is being moved?
  • How much does a typical load weigh?
  • What is the maximum racking height?
  • What is your aisle width?
• Environment:
  • Freezer
  • Ambient
  • Hot
  • Extreme weather (for outdoor applications)
  • Dusty/dirty
  • Loud

Types of Forklifts:

• Counterbalance Sit-Down Forklift –Typical forklift for indoor and outdoor use
• Reach Truck – Narrow aisle application designed for pallet storage. Forks move vertically and horizontally.
• Pallet Jack– Also referred to as “walkies.” Operators walk behind or along side the truck as loads are moved.  Often used for maneuvering loads in tight areas.
  • Walkie Riders– The operator stands on a small platform.  Used for moving loads over a longer horizontal distances.
• Stand–Up Counterbalance Forklift– Similar to a traditional counterbalance sit-down forklift, but rather than sitting on a seat, the operator stands on a platform. Stand-Up Riders are common for frequent on and off truck usage and they are also useful in narrow aisles.
• Tow Tractor– Used for towing products / carts. More commonly found in manufacturing facilities and at airports.
• Order Picker –Loads are small and both load and operator are lifted up with the mast. Typically used to pick product from racking in a narrow aisle environment.

Other Considerations:

• What capacity do you need?  Toyota forklifts range from 3,000 lbs. to 51,000 lbs.
• What is your maximum lift height?
• Frequency of use.  Will you use the forklift a few hours a day or during the entire day more than one shift?
• Environmental considerations:  UL rating required,  cold storage conditions, rust proof specifications, etc.

Source: http://www.toyotaforklift.com/solutions/beginners-forklift-information-guide/