Choosing the Best Forklift for Your Lumber Yard

Photo by Mark Timberlake

Originally Posted On: http://blog.99lifts.com/for-sale/equipment/forklifts/choosing-the-best-forklift-for-your-lumber-yard/2020/07/24/

Are you in the market for a forklift?

When shopping, it’s important to do some research to find out which is the best forklift for your industry. Different forklifts may be better-suited to warehouse work, lumber work, or building site work.

Wherever there is lifting to be done, you can count on a forklift. And there’s a lot of lifting to be done at a lumberyard.

Which forklift is the best forklift for the lumberyard? Stick around and find out.

What makes a forklift better or worse for lumberyard work? There’s a lot of lifting to be done at a lumberyard, and most of its heavy lifting.

You’ll want a  large forklift with some power, as opposed to a small forklift. Based on fleets we’ve seen in the past, diesel forklifts typically make the best forklift for a lumberyard setting.

You’ll also want to consider what type of forks can fit the front of the forklift. Special forks are needed when moving lumber. The forks need to be thinner and wider to move product more easily and reduce the possibility of damage to the lumber.

In addition to wood-specific forks and diesel power, there are some other things you may want to consider when purchasing your lumberyard forklift.

You’ll want a forklift with great balance. Lifts with dual front tires and counterweights give the added stability necessary when lifting heavy loads of wood.

Also, a forklift with a side-shifter comes in handy in the lumber industry. This allows your operator to adjust the forks without having to leave the operator’s cab.

There are a few questions you should ask when buying a forklift for the lumberyard. You’ll want to keep in mind how heavy the loads you’ll be carrying are. Is the operating area going to be outside or inside?

What type of surfaces will your forklift be driven on? How many hours will it be used daily?

All of these questions play a role in determining the forklift that’s right for your business. Getting a forklift that doesn’t exactly meet your needs could be a big waste of money, or worse, could be downright dangerous. Doing your research is an important step in the process.

Diesel may not rule the lumberyard for much longer. In a “shocking” development, electric lifts are gaining popularity for their functionality and strength. They also hold up well to outdoor use.

The decreased maintenance and “green” benefits of electric forklifts make them an attractive option. However, for now, diesel is still the most popular.

We hope we’ve given you some insight on how to choose the best forklift for a lumberyard. Regardless of the business, the same rules apply.

Take into consideration how, where, what for, and how often the forklift will be used. There should be no problem in selecting the perfect fit.

If you need help deciding, you can always browse our inventory or give us a call. We’d be happy to help. We can even help set up a payment plan that’s right for you!

Now, it’s time for us to make like a tree and leaf!