SPECIALISED FORKLIFT HIRE: WHEN TO HIRE THEM
SPECIALISED FORKLIFT HIRE: WHEN TO HIRE THEM
A specialised forklift is often a purpose-built design that is for a specific environment or load, or a design that meets a particular industry regulation.
More often than not, a specialised forklift is only required for specific, short-term use, so hiring one is the best option.
Choosing the right specialised forklift is the key to your project’s safety and efficiency.
The Types of Specialised Forklifts
- Rough Terrain Forklifts: For outdoor, uneven surfaces, making them perfect for the construction industry.
- Side Loaders: For moving heavy and long items, including timber beams.
- Reach Trucks: For warehouse stacking, they are the perfect forklift for narrow aisles.
- Order Pickers: Ideal for warehouse projects and day-to-day operation, as they are designed for picking orders on high shelves.
- Cold Storage Forklifts: For refrigerated warehouse operations, these are designed to operate in cold and freezing conditions.
The Benefits of Hiring Specialised Forklifts
The two key benefits that will be immediately noticeable when you hire a specialised forklift for a project are increased safety and efficiency.
For example, if your project requires a forklift to operate on an uneven surface, a rough terrain forklift will lower the risk of injury to workers and prevent damage to the forklift and other equipment. It will also reduce the time it takes to complete the project, increasing efficiency.
Certain specialised forklifts, including corrosion proof and cold storage forklifts, will meet industry regulations for the environments in which they are used.
What to Consider Before Hiring a Specialised Forklift
- Lead times and availability: You may need to book your forklift hire early if you need a product in high demand.
- Delivery and pickup logistics: Factor in the time and cost of delivering and picking up the forklift to and from your site.
- Forklift support: Choose a forklift supplier that offers consistent servicing.
- Training and compliance requirements: Ensure that your operators meet all safety and licensing requirements (more on this in the section below).
Training requirements for specialised forklift operation
There are several training and compliance requirements you should be aware of to ensure your operators can use a specialised forklift.
First, all operators must complete accredited training and receive a certificate to demonstrate competence on the chosen class of equipment. Additional or top-up training is required for different capacities and particular types, including reach trucks and order pickers.
Training will also be required if the operator needs to work in certain environmental conditions, including rough terrain, hazardous areas and cold storage warehouses. They may also need training to familiarise themselves with the controls.
Need a Specialised Forklift for Your Operations?
The importance and value of acquiring the right forklift for the project cannot be overstated.
If you want to discuss your options with a forklift hire specialist, Rushlift are here for you. We offer a highly flexible and efficient forklift hire service, with multiple forklift types available for special requirements and projects.
Get in touch with us here or call us at 0800 731 5035 to talk to our experts and find the right forklift for your project.