Time to replace your large capacity forklift? Contact an equipment specialist for a site visit & quote. REQUEST QUOTE
Large capacity forklifts aren’t just about a heavier counterweight. According to ProLift’s team of equipment specialists, companies make themselves vulnerable to increased forklift repairs and accidents with this logic.
Large Capacity Forklift Myths
Big forklifts don’t tip-over
You’re not picking up the typical product, wrapped and stacked neatly on a pallet. It’s heavy, long and awkward. This affects your forklift’s load center. Attachments must also be taken into account when factoring the actual capacity. Keep data tags up-to-date and educate your operators on how to read and understand the information.
I can drive anywhere
These forklifts are heavy and can crush pavement, dock boards and other surfaces not structured to hold such weight. One particularly dangerous scenario is using a large capacity forklift in a trailer. While the forklift may fit into the trailer, it will collapse the floor. Instruct operators where they can – and cannot – operate the forklift.
It runs on gas
The majority of large capacity forklifts operate on diesel fuel, but operators may mistakenly fill the tank with gasoline. Compared to a smaller forklift, a large capacity forklift will be quicker and more responsive during operation. Operators should be given hands-on instruction and practice time with the forklift to understand the forklift’s speed.
I have enough room
When selecting equipment for your warehouse, visually inspecting the area and taking measurements is important. A large capacity forklift needs more room to maneuver, especially for its tail swing. When this isn’t taken into account, the operator may hit racking, product or another employee during turns.
The operator sits higher and can see me
A lot of steel is used within the mast of a large capacity forklift which decreases visibility for the operator. The lifted product creates an additional obstruction. Because it’s likely an operator cannot see them, pedestrians working in the warehouse should be especially cautious when a large capacity forklift is operating near their work station.
It’s okay to use road tires
Air pressure for a large capacity forklift is critical. This means over-the-road tires cannot stand in for replacement forklift tires. For example, the average rating of a semi-truck tire is 14 ply as compared to a forklift tire at 18-24 ply. Because it can’t offer the same support to the forklift and the load, this overloading will lead to tire failure.
Anyone can operate this forklift
Required maintenance of a large capacity forklift is affected by proper and safe operation. Like smaller forklifts, lifting more than the forklift can handle can stretch the mast chains which leads to dragging and thinning of the forks. However, replacing parts for a large capacity forklift is more expensive and could deplete your annual maintenance budget. Train operators and observe them regularly to ensure guidelines are followed.
Interested in a large capacity forklifts, or perhaps even a high-capacity large electric forklift? Contact our equipment specialists for a quote! ProLift is your source for Toyota Forklifts, a leader in large capacity forklifts.