If you are new to the construction industry, it can be easy to be terrified of bigger, better companies. After all, since they have all of the high-tech equipment and skilled laborers, how will you compete when you bid for new jobs? Although it might seem pointless to try, you can significantly improve your own construction business by investing in the right industrial equipment. I want to teach you which pieces of equipment can make a big difference for your business, which is one of the reasons I made this site. Read here to learn how you can make your small business competitive in an ever-evolving marketplace.
The basic style of a forklift does not change much from one model to the next. However, you do have some options that will help a forklift to handle different working environments. Two key factors to keep in mind when choosing a forklift are the type of tires and the type of motor. Each one will work best in a certain environment.
Motors and Their Best Uses
You have two basic types of motors to choose from to power forklifts:
1. Your first option is an internal combustion engine, which will burn a fuel such as natural gas, diesel, gasoline, or liquid propane gas. If you have to transport heavy containers, then you will get the most power from an internal combustion engine. The drawback of using an internal combustion engine is that it creates exhaust, which can cause problems if you are working in an enclosed space.
2. Your second choice for an engine is a battery-powered electric engine. Because such a motor will not produce exhaust, electric motors are ideal for working in enclosed spaces such as you would find in a storeroom. On the other hand, you typically don't get as much power from an electric motor, so you should not plan on moving much besides a loaded pallet.
Tires and Their Best Uses
There are typically two types of tires that you will find on a forklift:
1. Cushion Tires. Cushion tires consist of a soft smooth rubber tire which is fitted to a metal band. These tires lay close to the ground and will stick well to smooth surfaces, so they are ideal for use inside of a building.
2. Pneumatic Tires. The term pneumatic tires describes tires that are filled with air. If you have a machine that is designed for outdoor use over rough terrain, pneumatic tires will offer better traction than cushion tires. They will also carry heavier loads than cushion tires.
Choosing the equipment for a forklift depends on the type of work that you will be doing. If you will be working inside a building with smooth floors, you should use an electric forklift with cushion tires. If you are working inside a building with rough floors, then you should use an electric forklift with pneumatic tires. On the other hand, if you are outside, you should choose a forklift with an internal combustion engine. If you mainly work on paved surfaces, you could consider using cushion tires, but pneumatic tires will give you the best performance over a wide range of surfaces. Thus, consider the type of work you will be doing, so you can buy a forklift that is right for your job.
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