Before You Rent a Forklift: Types, Capacity and Lifting Height
Planning to rent a forklift? Compare diesel, LPG, electric and reach truck models by capacity, lifting height and fuel type before you decide.
Renting a forklift is nothing new in logistics. A forklift can move goods in large volumes, which makes the work faster and lighter.
Many companies and large factories choose to rent forklifts rather than buy them, mainly to save on their budgets.
Today there are plenty of forklift rental services offering many brands and types. Renters need to understand the different types of forklifts and their capacities.
Forklift types and their capacities
Diesel Forklift
This is the most popular and most widely used type. Low rental rates and easy maintenance lead many companies and factories to choose it.
A diesel forklift can lift a maximum load of 10 tons and can lift to a height of up to 6 meters.
Because it runs on diesel fuel, this type is rarely used indoors. Diesel gives off exhaust gases that can cause shortness of breath and are dangerous if inhaled in large amounts.
Gasoline (LPG) Forklift
This type is among the environmentally friendly options because it runs on gas. Its rental price is also still affordable.
A gasoline forklift can lift only to 2 meters, with a capacity of 2 tons. It is fairly small.
Its small size and cleaner fuel make it a common choice for indoor use.
The downside is that, because the fuel is gas, many renters think twice before choosing it. If the fuel suddenly runs out, it can be hard to find a place to refill.
Electric Forklift
Powered by a rechargeable battery, this type is very environmentally friendly. It is widely used indoors.
Its lifting ability is decent too: it can lift to a height of 6 meters with a maximum capacity of 5 tons.
The drawback is that it can't be operated continuously, since the battery lasts for less than 8 hours.
Reach Truck Forklift
This type is similar to the electric forklift, because it also runs on a rechargeable battery.
Its lifting height and capacity are not much different either. The one difference is that a reach truck is equipped with a pallet, which makes it easier to move goods from one place to another.
Rental services often recommend reach trucks. The reasons are clear: their size, their power source, and their capacity.
Before you decide to rent a forklift, you need to know the capacity and lifting height you require. Match them to your company's or factory's finances as well, and make sure you choose a forklift that fits both your needs and your budget.
