Whether you have decided to buy a forklift or hire one, you will likely have some questions about the pros, cons, costs and potential gains from the investment you are about to make. A forklift truck is an extremely versatile piece of machinery, that’s why we’ve put together this list of ways that choosing the right forklift can save you time and money in the long run.

Heavy Load Lifting 

The most invaluable aspect of a forklift is its ability to safely lift heavy loads can save a business significant amounts of time compared to manually moving the same loads. Forklift trucks can lift a substantial amount more in one trip than employees, and therefore will be more efficient.

Fast And Efficient Goods Transport

Businesses that operate out of large warehouses can benefit greatly from the use of a forklift. Transporting goods from location to location within a warehouse manually via employees can take a significant amount of time and effort. Having the right forklift can cut this travel time significantly. Forklifts are powered by combustion or electric engines and can travel much faster speeds than employees can by simply walking, and they are also able to safely carry materials to reduce the amount of time taken to move between locations. 

Reduced Labour Costs 

The use of a forklift to lift and transport materials means less human power is needed, and therefore this significantly reduces labour costs as fewer employees are working in the warehouse. When using a forklift,  only one forklift operator is necessary compared to multiple employees needed to manage one job.  There are also fewer resources required for hiring staff and training them to do the job as you only need one forklift operator per forklift at any given time. However, the initial cost of buying or hiring a forklift should be accounted for. 

Reduced Hazards And Injury Claims 

Using a forklift that is suited to your operation greatly helps to reduce the likelihood of employees becoming injured from doing manual labour, such as lifting heavy loads too heavy for them, lifting them incorrectly, or dropping materials. Reducing or eliminating manual lifting from the warehouse, therefore, reduces the risks of injury compensation claims and lost productivity from employee sick days.

Increased Versatility 

Using suitable forklift attachments can provide versatility for jobs that can be performed. Attachments such as a safety cage allow for workers to be safely lifted from one area of a warehouse, to complete repairs or maintenance where needed. Even choosing attachments that are specially designed to handle your products such as bale clamps or rotating forks can cut the time needed to move the product and will inevitably move it safer too.

Using a forklift for other jobs and lifting materials eliminates the need for additional equipment such as a dedicated elevated work platform, which would cost your business capital that could be invested elsewhere in your business. 

For assistance in finding a suitable forklift for your business needs – get in touch. We will talk you through the full range of electric, diesel and gas forklifts that are available and the advantages of each. If you are looking for the best forklifts for sale, with a full-service offering, then don’t hesitate to contact us.