Moving Huge Loads? You Need a Heavy Duty Forklift
What is a heavy duty forklift?
Heavy duty forklifts are designed to do exactly what their name says: lift your largest, heaviest objects. Toyota’s heavy duty forklifts provide lifting capacities of 15,000 lb to 125,000 pounds, are equipped with either pneumatic or cushion tire tires, and can withstand the harshest conditions that jobsites offer. In general, large capacity forklift models have stronger frames, more powerful engines, and improved stabilization systems compared to standard machines. They are also often compatible with unique attachments to carry oversized or oddly shaped objects, like shipping containers, steel beams, or industrial equipment.
When should you use heavy duty forklifts?
Before you purchase your machine, it’s important to determine whether a large capacity model is right for you. You don’t want to implement a bigger piece of equipment than is required for your operation, because that will waste your time, money, and resources.
- Consider your maximum load – It’s critical never to push a machine beyond its limits. If you are moving any loads greater than 15,000 lb, we recommend first checking your current forklift’s parameters and making sure it can handle it. If it can’t, then you need a heavy duty forklift.
- Transporting oversized or awkwardly shaped loads – Most standard new forklifts have load centers that max out at 24”. Heavy duty forklifts can support load centers of 48” and bigger, improving balance and stability when moving wide or long materials like lumber packs or structural beams.
- Operating in tough environments – Heavy duty forklifts often have features like reinforced frames, sealed components, and highly efficient cooling systems, helping them withstand punishing conditions of outdoor industrial sites. If you’re having trouble with excessive wear and tear or consistent downtime related to damage, it might be a good idea to look into heavy duty options.
- Improving cost efficiency on big projects – While the upfront investment in a heavy duty forklift may be higher, it can often do the work of multiple small machines, helping you to save in the long run. For some jobs, you can move double or triple the amount of material in each load using a larger model. That option reduces your costs, because you are doing more with a single machine, meaning lower maintenance costs and fewer operators.
How to choose the best new forklifts for your business?
Whether you are purchasing a heavy duty or standard model, it’s important to consider the following factors:
- Load capacity – As we’ve mentioned previously, load capacity is a key piece of information. Make sure your heaviest possible load is within the parameters of your machine.
- Lifting height – Think about your maximum height. Heavy duty forklifts can generally reach higher than standard machines, but you still need to confirm that the model you choose can handle the maximum required height in your operation.
- Spatial restrictions – Before deciding on new forklifts, you need to calculate the logistical restraints of your facility or yard. Heavy duty models require ample space to turn and maneuver effectively. Tell our team how far apart your racks are and how wide your aisles are, so we can recommend options that fit your space.
- Terrain and environment – Heavy duty forklifts can operate in indoor and outdoor areas. If you’re working outside on dirt, loose gravel, or asphalt, then models with rugged pneumatic tires are the best choice. If you’re operating inside in a big manufacturing or steel plant, then a large capacity cushion tire forklift is most effective.