Forklifts are essential in many industries for ensuring materials are handled effectively and to optimize work processes. Many companies in Saudi Arabia find this to be a cost-saving way to fulfil their forklift operational requirements without the hassle and costs of ownership.
This guide takes you through the different types of forklifts you can rent, the right capacity for your needs, safety advice, and the different ways in which forklifts are used in various industries.
Types of Forklifts
Selecting the right forklift starts with understanding the various types and what they’re used for. Different work environments and tasks require specific forklift models tailored for safety, efficiency, and productivity.
Electric Forklifts
Electric forklifts are ideal for indoor applications as they produce no emissions and are very quiet. They charge up, using rechargeable batteries. These forklifts are maintenance-free and provide accuracy in handling.
Pros
- No emissions – suitable for enclosed spaces
- Lower operating costs over time
- Quiet operation
Cons
- Not suitable for outdoor use in wet conditions
- Limited runtime before battery recharge
Internal Combustion Forklifts
These Vehicles are diesel, petrol, or LPG powered, intended for outdoor and heavy-duty work. They can manage heavier loads and more rugged terrain, which is why they are popular on construction sites and in large storage yards.
Pros
- More power and capacity than electric models
- Easy to refuel – no downtime for charging
- Better suited for rugged environments
Cons
- Emissions may not be suitable for indoor use
- Noisier compared to electric forklifts
Rough Terrain Forklifts
These also ride on robust pneumatic tires and have a higher ground clearance. They are designed for rugged, rocky, or muddy terrain. Furthermore, they’re essential in outdoor industries like construction, agriculture, and timber.
Features
- Powerful engines
- Reinforced chassis
- Strong traction on unpaved surfaces
Telehandlers (Telescopic Handlers)
Part-crane, part-forklift – telehandler is designed for extended reach, and has all-terrain capabilities. They are frequently used in agriculture and construction as materials that need to be lifted to a height.
Use Cases
- Stacking hay bales
- Moving construction supplies to the upper floors
- Installing roofing or siding materials
Pallet Jacks and Stackers
Compact and easy to maneuver, pallet jacks and stackers are useful for low-capacity tasks like moving boxes or pallets in small areas. Many rental companies offer both manual and electric versions.
Use Cases
- Low lift height requirements
- Narrow aisles or confined storage rooms
- Light to medium-weight loads
With so many options available, working with a trusted equipment rental company is key to selecting the right machine.
Choosing the Right Forklift Capacity for Your Needs
Choosing a forklift with the correct capacity is essential for safety and performance. Under capacity means breakdowns and accidents, while over capacity means rentals are unnecessary.
Know the Weight and Shape of the Load
The maximum load capacity of the rental forklift will always be listed by the manufacturer (e.g., 3000 kg); however, the load center of the actual load has a lot to do with the real lifting capacity. If you have long or awkward loads, then you may need a higher capacity forklift, as weight may not always be an indicator.
Max Lift Height and Load Centre
If you are placing pallets on storage racks or loading pallets on a mezzanine level, you will need a forklift with an extended mast. Just remember, the higher you lift the load, the more unstable the load becomes to manoeuvre, and what the load weight is concerning lift height.
Maneuverability in Your Space
If you are in a small warehouse space or manufacturing unit with narrow aisles, you will need to select a forklift with the smallest turning radius possible. In these cases, you may want to consider renting electric forklifts or three-wheeled models.
Duration and Frequency of Use
If you are renting a forklift for more than one shift or continuous use, selecting a forklift model with the ability to quickly swap out batteries (electric) or refuel quickly (internal combustion) should be a consideration, as downtime can wreck productivity.
Attachments and Accessories
For certain tasks, there might be a need for a specialised attachment such as: side-shift, clamp, or rotator. You want to make sure the forklift you are renting is rated for this type of attachment, and the weight of the attachment may impact its effective lift capacity.
Forklift Safety Guidelines
Operating a forklift can involve considerable risk if safe work practices are not adhered to. It is extremely important for all operators, even experienced ones, to remain educated on safe handling practices. The following principles are important to follow:
Certified Training is Mandatory
Operators should take a certified forklift training program through an entity recognized by national and workplace safety conventions. All certified training should include theory and practical applications.
Daily Pre-Operation Inspections
A quick daily check can prevent accidents. This includes:
- Checking fluid levels (oil, hydraulic, brake)
- Inspecting tires for wear or puncture
- Testing brakes and steering
- Ensuring the mast and forks are undamaged
Keep Loads Balanced and Within Capacity
Never operate a forklift above the rated capacity. When carrying an unevenly balanced or overloaded load, you risk tipping over the forklift, which could cause serious injury or damage.
Maintain a Clear Line of Sight
If an operator cannot see forward due to the load, the operator should drive in reverse. There are also mirrors and spotlights used when travelling in tight or crowded spaces.
Limit Speed and Sharp Turns
Forklifts are heavy and have a high center of gravity. Operators should limit speed and avoid sharp turns when transporting a load, which can create a tipping hazard.
Wear Seatbelts and PPE
Even having the ability to use a seatbelt in enclosed cabs is critical. The operator should also wear hard hats, steel-toe boots, and high-visibility vests in active work areas.
Applications of Forklifts in Different Industries
Forklifts are one of the most versatile tools used across a wide spectrum of industries. Here’s how they help power essential operations:
Construction Industry
Forklifts transport materials like bricks, steel rods, and cement bags around large sites. Telehandlers are particularly useful for moving supplies to high floors during building construction.
Typical Uses:
- Lifting pallets of bricks
- Carrying concrete blocks across uneven terrain
- Unloading supplies from trucks
Warehousing and Logistics
Forklifts are core to supply chain and logistics operations. They move inventory, load/unload shipments, and assist in organizing storage.
Typical Uses:
- Loading dock support
- High-rack stacking
- Inventory rotation and order picking
Manufacturing
In manufacturing plants, forklifts transport raw materials to production lines and move finished goods to storage or outbound docks.
Typical Uses:
- Clean operation
- Precise maneuvering in assembly lines
- Support for attachments like drum handlers or clamps
Retail and Wholesale
Large retail chains and wholesalers use forklifts for stocking and replenishing bulk items. Forklifts allow the efficient movement of products in large quantities.
Typical Uses:
- Moving pallets from storage to the sales floor
- Restocking shelves in bulk stores
- Managing back-end logistics in superstores
Agriculture and Farming
From transporting bales of hay to moving farming tools, forklifts help manage operations in large farms. Rough terrain forklifts and telehandlers are often used.
Typical Uses:
- Heavy-duty performance on uneven land
- Lifting feed sacks, tools, and fertilizer
- Building and maintenance support
Ports and Shipping Yards
Ports and large docks utilize forklifts to manage cargo containers, heavy shipments, and warehouse operations.
Typical Uses:
- Unloading goods from shipping containers
- Reorganizing freight
- Supporting short-distance logistics
Renting the right forklift that suits your operational requirements is a tactical choice that helps in balancing efficiency, safety, and productivity. Be it a warehouse, a farm, or a construction site, knowing the various types of forklifts, their capacity limits, safety standards, and their practical application within an industry will significantly improve business performance.