FORKLIFT TRUCK FAQs

The questions asked by customers and we use our experience to point the customer in the correct direction. It is very important to give the correct answer to the customer and some of the questions asked are:

What type of Forklift Truck do I require?

The type of Forklift Truck that you will require, depends very much on the demands that you have for your Forklift Truck and the area in which you intend operating it.

We would normally assess your working area to decide if it is; Industrial, Rough Terrain or Warehouse and recommend a Forklift Truck that most suitably meets these needs.

Careful considerations must be made as to whether or not the Forklift Truck will be used in tight, enclosed areas, or mainly outside – this is essential when comparing the pros and cons of diesel and electric Trucks.

What height of mast will I need?

Although the mast height of your Forklift Truck must meet the needs of your required reach, many people overlook the access required for a Forklift Truck. The mast height must be able to comfortably fit through all areas of your working environment, paying particular attention to door heights and building size. The restrictions of the building itself can quite often be the deciding factor in the mast height of a Forklift Truck.

Do I need a Gas, Diesel or Electric Forklift Truck?

The type of Forklift Truck is very much dictated by the environment that it will operate. Electric Trucks are most suited to operating inside where diesel fumes would otherwise be an issue, and in turn, Diesel Forklifts are generally most suited to outdoor use with their great ‘workhorse’ attributes.  Gas Powered Forklift Trucks have the benefit of being suitable for a combination of Inside and Outside operation.

How do the ground conditions affect my choice of Forklift Truck?

The ground conditions are critical to the choice of Forklift Truck.  The working area that the Truck will operate in must be assessed to ensure the appropriate tyres are specified. There are a wide selection of tyres available for your Forklift Truck; Cushion Tyres, Solid (or Puncture Proof) Tyres, Pneumatic Tyres, Polyurethane Tyres, Non-Marking Tyres and Foam Fill Tyres.
Each tyre has it’s own benefits relevant to how and where the truck will be operated.
Cushion Tyres – Generally used on smooth warehouses with concrete flooring. Smaller than pneumatic tyres.
Solid Tyres – Long lasting solid tyres (not air filled) that do not have any cushioning effect for the truck or driver.  Great for indoor, smooth surfaces.
Pneumatic Tyres – Thick, deep treads and air-filled tyres that provide a cushioning effect.
Polyurethane Tyres – Generally used for indoor Forklift Trucks and normally pressed onto the wheel.
Non-Marking Tyres – Solid tyres that possess a non-marking quality, however, have a shorter lifespan.
Foam Filled Tyres – Much like air-filled tyres, however, these are filled with a special resin to prevent punctures.