Which Forklift Do You Need?

At East Midlands Forklifts (EMF), we offer a wide range of new forklifts for sale and hire forklifts to suit your needs. Whether you’re based in Nottingham, Derby, Leicester, Loughborough or anywhere else in the East Midlands, we’ve got you covered.

In this article, find out exactly which forklift you need for your project.

What to consider before looking for a forklift

Before you start browsing for a forklift, consider the following factors to ensure you choose the right one for your business.

• What purpose will it serve?

Think about the tasks you need the forklift to perform. Will it be used for loading and unloading trucks, moving pallets around a warehouse or reaching high shelves?

• What space will it be used in?

Consider the size of your workspace. If you have narrow aisles or tight corners, you’ll need a forklift that can manoeuvre easily in confined spaces.

• What type of surface will it be used on?

Different forklifts are designed for different surfaces. If you’ll be using the forklift outdoors on rough terrain, you’ll need a machine that can handle uneven ground.

• What weight will it need to lift?

Make sure the forklift you choose has the lifting capacity to handle the loads you’ll be working with.

• How high does it need to be able to reach?

If you need to reach high shelves or stack pallets, consider a forklift with a higher lift height.

• How long do you need it for?

If you only need a forklift for a short period, such as a seasonal peak or a one-off project, hiring a forklift may be more cost-effective than buying one outright.

 

Forklift type options

At EMF, we offer a range of forklift types to suit different applications. Here’s a quick guide to help you choose the right one for your needs.

Reach Forklift

Reach forklifts are ideal for warehouses with high racking, as they can reach up to 10 meters. They have a compact design, allowing them to zip through narrow aisles.

Rough Terrain Forklift

If you need a forklift that can handle outdoor use on uneven ground, a rough terrain forklift is the way to go. With their beefy tyres and extra ground clearance, these workhorses provide unbeatable stability. They might not be as agile in tight quarters, but they more than make up for it in sheer power.

Side Loader Forklift

If you’re dealing with long, awkward loads like timber or pipes, a side loader forklift might be best. They can pick up loads from the side, making them ideal for narrow aisles. While they might not be the most versatile option, they’re absolutely essential for certain jobs.

Counterbalance Forklift

Counterbalance forklifts are the most common type of forklift and are suitable for a wide range of applications. They’re a solid choice for most situations, but they might struggle in super narrow aisles.

Multidirectional Forklift

When you need to move in any direction, a multidirectional forklift is the answer. These flexible machines are perfect for manoeuvring long loads in tight spaces. What they lack in speed, they more than make up for in agility.

Pedestrian Operated Pallet Truck

For smaller loads and shorter distances, a pedestrian-operated pallet truck may be all you need. These machines are easy to use and manoeuvre; they might not be built for heavy lifting, but they’re perfect for those quick, easy jobs.

Teletruk

The Teletruk is a one-of-a-kind forklift that can reach over obstacles to grab loads. This makes it perfect for loading and unloading trucks or accessing those hard-to-reach spots.

Vertical Stock Picker

Vertical stock pickers are designed for picking items from high shelves in warehouses. They have a platform that can lift the operator up to the required height. However, they may not be suitable for heavy loads.

Order Picker

Similar to the stock picker, an order picker is designed for grabbing individual items from shelves. The platform lifts the operator up and often includes a pallet or cage for storing picked items. These machines are all about efficiency and precision.

Buy or Hire Quality Forklifts and Parts with EMF

At East Midlands Forklifts, we offer a wide range of new forklifts for sale, including counterbalance forklifts, reach forklifts, side loader forklifts, Teletruks, and order pickers. We also offer forklift hire for short-term or long-term use.

If you’re not sure which forklift is right for your business, our team of experts can help. With years of experience in the industry, we can assess your needs and recommend the best truck for your application.

In addition to forklifts, we also offer a range of forklift parts and accessories to keep your machine running smoothly. From tyres and batteries to filters and lubricants, we’ve got everything you need to maintain your forklift.

So, whether you’re looking to buy a forklift or hire one in Nottingham, Derby, Leicester, Loughborough or anywhere else in the East Midlands, EMF is here to help. 

Contact us today to discuss your requirements and let us help you find the perfect forklift for your business.