Aren't all forklifts the same?

If you are looking to replace your existing fleet, don’t assume that what you had before is what you need now.

Three to five years can be a long time in any company and circumstances will have undoubtedly changed. If you are starting out for the first time, try downloading our checklist.

Aren’t all forklifts the same?
Most forklifts perform the same basic functions, however, they can have major differences.

Almost all forklifts have good build quality and durability - thanks to widespread advances in production techniques.

Some manufacturers, including Mitsubishi and Linde, claim additional Environmental benefits, others (such as Atlet, Toyota) focus on extra safety systems.

TCM and Nissan emphasise their low running costs and high production values whilst Daewoo fit oil cooled brakes to greatly reduce maintenance costs. Yale, Hyster, Still, Jungheinrich and others promote their ergonomic prowess.

There are also specialist equipment providers to consider, such as articulating forklifts (Bendi, Flexi) and multi-directional (Combilift, Acroba) although these tend to be more common in specific types of operation.

Of course, what's most important is how you use the equipment, and whatever brand of forklift you specify the true value of the truck is more often linked to it's ability to perform, the service backup and the lifetime operating costs.

What’s the difference between gas, diesel & electric powered forklifts?
Each type of forklift offers a different power to fuel consumption ratio. There are also differences in size, noise, speed, emissions and average work cycles.

Although engine-powered trucks are generally thought to be more capable of handling tougher applications, the latest electric models have dramatically reduced the perceived productivity gap, and offer remarkable environmental and safety features into the bargain.

How you re-fuel your machine may influence your decision making process, but never let it dictate the final outcome.

Switching from one type of fuel supply to another may prove less hassle than you think, that’s why we suggest you keep an open mind and choose the right fuel source for your particular application.

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