When at work, there’s nothing better than getting your job done efficiently.

While this can apply to all types of businesses, there are often tools you can use to streamline tasks. In some businesses, forklifts are useful in these situations.

Putting less strain on workers and giving them a tool to use for heavy lifting is a great way to improve efficiency. But which forklifts are best for your industry?

Read on to find out more about the different forklift types on the market and how they can work for you.

Forklift Types: What You Need to Know

Forklifts are commonly divided into classes. These classes have different types of forklifts depending on certain characteristics and purposes.

Here’s a little bit about each of the forklift classes.

Class I

Forklifts in Class I are electrically powered. You’ll find them used inside and they’re a popular choice in retail.

They have many different uses, but they’re a great addition to warehouses. They’re capable of turning sharp corners and of carrying large loads. This makes them the perfect choice for stores or warehouses who need to move lots of merchandise or food.

Class II

This class is also made up of electric-powered forklifts but they have different purposes.

Two great examples in this group are the order pickers and reach forklifts. They both have the same purpose, which is to grab things out of reach.

They are best used in situations where you have tall shelving for storage. This makes it easier to take things up and down off of them.

Another example of this class is the pivoting-mast forklift. It can rotate the mast to make turning easier.

Class III

Class III is an interesting one. It includes lifts that are electrically powered, or human-operated. Pallet jacks are part of this class as they can be operated manually or automatically.

This class is great for the grocery or retail industry. They’re capable of moving large pallets of merchandise that are transported. They can also be used for moving merchandise around or unloading deliveries.

Class IV

This class is all about the cushion tires. They’re a defining feature of the forklifts that are part of this group.

You’ll find these types of lifts indoors, and they have gas or diesel engines. They’re useful on loading docks and for unloading trucks at their destination. Another great feature of these forklifts is that they can have a large weight capacity.

Class V

While Class IV claims cushion tires, Class V is known for its pneumatic tires.

These are the types of forklifts you’ll find on a construction site or metal yard. They are great for transporting large objects and some are even capable of moving large containers.

Bonus: Class VII

The forklifts in this class are often found mounted on the back of trucks. They travel with the truck and do the loading/unloading at their destinations.

You might know them better as piggyback forklifts. These types of forklifts can also be installed on tractors. They’re used on farms for various tasks like lifting equipment or taking out hay.

What Forklift Types Are Right For You?

Forklifts are essential to many businesses. Whether you’re working with lumber or transporting food, they can make life much easier. Now that you know the different classes, you can choose the forklift types that suit your business best.

Are you looking to purchase a forklift? Check out our inventory to find the one that’s right for you!

Operating the forklift isn’t the easiest job on earth, and neither is it the safest. While no sane manager or supervisor overlooks worker safety, it’s easy to forget about the forklift. That’s because forklifts are more subdued equipment that barely make any noise and require minimum supervision.

Though forklifts seem like harmless lifting equipment, they account for about 85 deaths every year. That’s why forklift operators need to know the common forklift safety tips by heart.

The danger with forklifts is that they are difficult to stop because they only have brakes on their front tires. They also weigh about 9,000 pounds; as much as thrice the weight of an average car.

Forklifts, just like any other material handling equipment, requires the utmost care and diligence to operate. 

Regardless of how busy or skillful you are, safety should never take the backseat when operating the forklift. If you’re a forklift operator, here are some safety tips to remember when on the job.

1. Don’t Leave the Forklift Unattended

This is a rookie mistake that no professional forklift operator should be making. Plus, in case you didn’t know, it’s illegal to leave your forklift unattended with the keys still in the ignition.

Make sure you turn off the forklift when not in use to reduce the chances of a potential injury.  You should also close the service valves to save on fuel, which is great for business.

2. Always Inspect Propane Cylinder

When was the last time you inspected the propane cylinder? If it’s a long time, then it’s time you give them a look.

You should check whether the propane cylinders have any rust, dents or leaks.  If they do, then it’s high time you call your propane supplier for replacements. 

Sometimes your propane cylinders may wear out way before the prequalification date. If that’s the case, you still have to replace them. Talk to your superior or anyone in charge to arrange for servicing or replacement.

3. Store the Propane Cylinders Safely

Apart from inspecting the propane cylinders regularly, make sure you store them in a cage or rack away from heavy traffic. That means you should keep them away from entrances, exits, and stairways. Also, ensure you pick up the cylinders carefully and place them gently inside their racks or cages.

The best way to place these cylinders is to position them horizontally with the pressure relief valves at the top. You can get a refresher on how to lift and store these cylinders properly from your propane supplier.

4. Inspect the Forklift Before You Operate It

Don’t just jump straight into it, before starting work, make sure you give your forklift a thorough inspection. This should be something routine, and with time it will be close to nature. 

While doing your inspection, make sure you check for any dents, damage, or missing parts. If something’s wrong, inform your supervisor immediately and drop your work until everything’s fixed up. Never operate a faulty forklift.

5. Always Wear Your PPE

OSHA requires all employers to furnish their workers with personal protective equipment, and forklift operators are no exception. So before turning the ignition, make sure you have your hard hats, visible wear, and work boots on.

6. Wear Your Seatbelt

Buckling up is very important if you’re operating a forklift. A forklift can easily tip over because it has more weight on its rear to counterbalance the weight it has to lift in front.

Wearing your seatbelt keeps you safe should the forklift overturn. The seat belt also prevents you from getting crushed by the overhead when you get into an accident.

7. Remember the Weight Limit

Even if you think the forklift can handle it, don’t surpass the forklift’s weight limit. Most forklift accidents are a result of exceeding the stipulated weight limit. If you overload the machine, there’s a high chance that it will tip over.

8. Drive Safely and Hoot If You Have To

Operate your forklift at safe speeds and don’t attempt any crazy antics with it. We don’t need to remind you how easily a forklift tips over, and how dangerous it is when it does. As such, you should operate it steadily, and slow down when you have to take corners.

Hoot whenever someone obstructs your vision so they can move, or you can stop gradually before you hit them. Remember, forklifts take longer to come to a stop because they don’t have brakes on their rear wheels.

9. Reset Forklift to “Default” When You’re Done

Once you finish what you’re doing, turn the forklift off, pull the parking brake, lower the forks and set the controls to neutral. Doing so ensures that there’s no unexpected movement once you get off of work. For heavier forklifts, you may want to secure them with wheel blocks, just in case you’ve parked them on a slope.

10. Secure the Pressure Release Valve

Before you close up, make sure you properly secure the pressure release valve. After the valve clicks into place, ensure it points away from the locating ping. Make sure it’s facing the completely opposite direction that the locating pin faces.

Always Observe These Forklift Safety Tips

Forklift operators should always prioritize safety whenever they use their folk lifts. With these few forklift safety tips, hopefully, you’ll be able to operate your forklifts with absolutely zero accidents. Remember to service and inspect your forklifts regularly.

Also, make sure you buy your propane cylinders and your forklifts from a reputable supplier. For strong, reliable, and certified forklifts, contact us today and find one for yourself.