Warehouse forklifts are designed to accommodate workers in factories, distribution centers, or large warehouses where shipments are dropped off and stored in palletized units...Show More
Warehouse forklifts are designed to accommodate workers in factories, distribution centers, or large warehouses where shipments are dropped off and stored in palletized units. Warehouse forklifts can safely and efficiently lift, load, and transport heavy materials, sparing workers the need to carry them manually.
Most models can carry materials weighing from 1 to 5 tons, and they come with either pneumatic (air-filled) or cushion tires. Warehouse forklifts also come with a range of lifting capacities. Smaller-scale models can handle between 5,000 and 12,000 lbs, whereas larger models can carry up to 25,000 lbs. Check out the FAQs below to learn more.
Show less
The cost to rent a warehouse forklift depends on carrying capacity, tire type, and fuel type. Tires can be pneumatic (air-filled) or cushion, and some forklifts run on electricity, while others use propane. Here are a few examples of warehouse forklift rental costs.
Warehouse forklifts come in two main types: side loaders and counterbalance forklifts. A side loader unloads objects on its side, so it can operate in narrow aisles, loading and unloading objects without needing to turn. It’s good for handling long objects such as beams, pipes, and lumber.
A counterbalance forklift is designed with the forks in the front. The weight of a load is therefore counterbalanced by the weight of the vehicle behind the forks. A three-wheel version allows the operator increased flexibility to move in circles when needed.
When determining what capacity you need, consider your load center, load distribution, and how high you need to lift. Forklifts have data plates that share the rated capacity at different load centers and heights. This may be different than their maximum capacity.
Smaller warehouse forklifts can lift about 5,000 pounds to 12,000 pounds, while heavy-duty models can handle up to 25,000 pounds.
A forklift’s maximum height will depend on the type of forklift and type of mast. A standard forklift can reach heights of 10 to 15 feet. Reach trucks with open compartments for better visibility can access indoor storage spaces up to about 40 feet high.
Other forklifts that can be used in warehouses include pallet jacks (also known as pump trucks), which are designed for lifting small loads in tight spaces; and standup models such as walkie stackers and order pickers.
Air-filled tires, or pneumatic tires, are used for both outdoor and indoor projects. Their tread allows them to easily navigate rough and uneven surfaces without compromising loads. Cushion tires are designed to navigate polished indoor surfaces only, but offer better maneuverability and a smaller turning radius than air-filled tire models.
OSHA standards can differ depending on the state. Only people who have been trained and licensed to OSHA standards should operate a forklift. Employers should evaluate workers’ performance every three years at minimum, offering demonstrations along with software and hands-on training, videos, and verbal instruction.