Making sure you choose the right forklift to hire for your business is super important to make sure the efficiency of your operations is at the highest level possible. One critical factor to consider when thinking about renting a forklift is the weight capacity of the machine you hire.

Choosing a forklift with the correct weight capacity for the material handling you will be doing ensures that it can handle your specific needs and keep your production schedule on target. We guide you through the steps to determine the ideal weight capacity for the forklift you need to hire so that when it comes time to choose, you’ve got all the information you need. 

Know your maximum load weight

Before you begin searching for a forklift, it's really important to have a very clear understanding of the maximum weights of the loads you'll be lifting. Remember to take into account the heaviest items your forklift will need to handle regularly. It’s always helpful to make a comprehensive list of these items, including their weights and dimensions, so you can take this into consideration when hiring a forklift.

Consider the load distribution

Whilst understanding the weight of your loads is important, it's equally important to consider how the weight is going to be distributed on the loads your machine will be moving. Often, items will have an uneven weight distribution, which affects the stability of, not only the load itself, but also the forklift. 

To ensure the safety and efficiency of those working with and around your forklifts, calculate the centre of gravity for the heaviest loads you’re likely to want to move. This helps you choose a forklift that can handle both the weight and the distribution of your loads.

Think about any accessories you might need

Are there any attachments or accessories you'll need to add to your forklift? Attachments like side shifters, clamps or fork extensions can change a forklift's overall capacity. It’s important to take into account the weight of these accessories to make sure the forklift you choose can handle them along with the standard load.

Factor in height and reach for your buildings requirements

It’s a good idea to consider the vertical reach required for your operations. If you need to lift materials to a significant height (like the top shelf of your warehousing storage), it's important to choose a forklift with the right lifting capacity at that height. Remember, keep in mind that the maximum weight a forklift can carry decreases as the higher you lift a load.

Make sure you account for future growth

When thinking about a forklift to hire, it's good practice to consider your future business needs. If you anticipate growth in your operations, perhaps choose a forklift with a slightly higher weight capacity than your current requirements so you don’t have to hire a different machine when your requirements change. This can save you from having to replace your forklift sooner than expected.

Once you have a clear idea of your load weights, distribution, height requirements and future growth requirements, it's time to research forklift models. 

Feel free to call us at any stage and we can help you find the perfect forklift for your needs.