Heavy Forklift Trucks: What You Need To Know
Today we are going to explain what a heavy forklift is.
We have over 40 years experience in the material handling industry and we would love to share our expertise with you.
In this post, we will describe what a heavy forklift is, how they are used, and what to look for when purchasing one. So, let's get going.
What Is a Heavy Forklift?
A heavy forklift can also be called an industrial forklift or a large capacity forklift. This type of lift truck is used to lift, move, and place very heavy loads. They are usually much larger than electric warehouse forklifts.
Heavy forklifts are also called industrial or large capacity forklifts - Source: Komatsu
They can be 10 ft or more in length and almost always have an internal combustion engine to give them more power. They are often used for industrial and construction applications.
A heavy forklift functions similarly to a warehouse forklift. However, it can lift its loads much higher off the ground than a regular warehouse forklift, and it is capable of lifting much heavier loads.
Lifting capacity
Lifting capacity refers to the amount of weight that a forklift can safely carry. If a forklift carries more than its maximum lifting capacity then it can become unstable.
If you need to move heavy loads, choose an industrial forklift
Industrial forklifts are able to handle incredible weights from 22,000 lbs to 30,000 lbs and higher depending on the model. This makes them great for heavy duty lifting jobs.
Types of Industries that Use Heavy Forklifts
You don't need a heavy forklift for your average warehouse application. They are, however, perfect for industries that have very heavy products and rough terrain.
Warehouses: Even though most warehouses do not require the use of an industrial heavy forklift, if your facility handles extremely heavy products, then an industrial forklift may be a good choice for you.
Construction Sites: You will often see a heavy forklift on a construction site. That's because they are capable of lifting and moving the heavy building materials required, such as concrete and metals. It is also well suited to the rough terrain found on building sites.
Heavy forklifts are perfect for construction site lifting
Railways: Another industry that may use a heavy forklift is the railway. Railways often transport heavy cargo as well as shipping containers, so an industrial forklift is needed to be able to move, lift, load, and unload this type of heavy cargo.
Ports: Like railways, shipping ports and dry docks use heavy forklifts to load and unload their cargo and shipping containers as well.
Farms: Often, an industrial forklift is used on a farm to lift bales of hay. Hay may not be as heavy as the other materials we've mentioned. However, an industrial forklift is needed to lift and place them higher than a regular forklift would be able to.
What to Look for When Purchasing a Heavy Forklift
Maximum Load Capacity:
There are a wide range of load capacities when it comes to forklifts. You should choose a forklift that is able to handle the weights that you are going to be lifting.
It is a good idea to get a forklift that is slightly more powerful than you actually need. This is because if your lift truck is constantly lifting at its maximum weight capacity, it will use a lot of energy and it will be harder on the machine.
For example, if most of the loads that you require moving are around 8,000 lbs, then you should choose a forklift with a maximum capacity of more than 8,000 lbs.
Maximum Lift Height:
Forklift attachments will make your machine more versatile
Different forklift models have different load lifting heights. Figure out how high you need your loads lifted before choosing your forklift. Measure your worksite and get a forklift that can reach that high.
Forklift Attachments:
You can purchase forklift attachments for your heavy forklift that will increase its capabilities and flexibility.
For example, you can add a forklift boom, which will allow your forklift to lift from above instead of from below. Clamps let you move oddly shaped items safely, and fork extensions allow you to lift larger loads.
Working Environment:
If you need your heavy forklift to operate outdoors on rough or uneven ground, then choose a forklift that can handle these types of surfaces. A rough terrain forklift will be equipped with pneumatic tires that are better than cushion tires for these types of surfaces.
If you are using it on a construction site with sharp debris that could damage your tires, you might also want to get solid as opposed to air filled tires so that they are more puncture-resistant.
Handling:
Looking for a heavy forklift? Contact Wayco
Consider the places where you will need your forklift to go. If it will be operating in narrow spaces or tight corners, make sure that the model you choose has the maneuverability and is the right size to fit in these spots.
Looking for a Quality Pre-Owned Heavy Forklift? Trust Wayco
If you need additional, heavy forklift equipment, why not consider buying used? Pre-owned heavy forklifts require a much smaller investment to purchase than new, so they make sense if you just need them for a temporary increase in volume.
If you are looking for a high quality, well-priced pre-owned forklift, trust Wayco. Wayco makes it possible to purchase pre-owned heavy forklifts and other forklift equipment with confidence. How do we do that?
We thoroughly check every used vehicle
Wayco takes the worry out of purchasing used equipment. Before we sell any pre-owned vehicle, we thoroughly check each one to make sure that it's in top working order.
We certify every used vehicle
We then certify all of our used inventory, so you can be confident that you are purchasing a used forklift that you can rely on to be in great condition!
We offer incredible warranties
At Wayco, we want to make sure that you are completely satisfied with your used forklift purchase.
That's why in addition to inspecting and certifying all of our pre-owned vehicles, we also offer incredible warranties to further assure you that you are purchasing a forklift you can trust.
Looking for the best deal on quality used forklift equipment? Contact Wayco today!
Better Value than New
Buying used can be a wise investment. Just like a brand new car, the moment you drive your new forklift off the lot, it loses value. Quality used forklifts depreciate at a much slower rate so they are often the better choice.
Immediate Delivery
Used forklift equipment can usually be delivered immediately, but if you order new equipment, you often have to wait 4-12 weeks before you get it, depending on the model and the manufacturer. So if you need your equipment immediately, used is the way to go.
“I have used Wayco twice, and both times I experienced excellent customer service. They had the right forklift for my needs at a reasonable price. I will be using their services in the future and recommend you do as well.”
- Gabe Gartner
