Talk to a ProLift Heavy Duty Equipment Specialist about which model is right for you. REQUEST A SITE VISIT
If your application requires you to move loads that are heavier than 15,000 lbs., a heavy duty forklift is a necessity. Toyota’s THD line features models with load capacities ranging from 18,000 to 125,000 lbs. and practically innumerable application capabilities. Before you begin your search for the right high capacity forklift model for your operation, consider these aspects of your facility:
Heavy duty forklift spatial needs
Knowing your load capacity and height requirements will be the first step to determining which heavy duty forklift model is right for you. Production teams usually have a pretty accurate idea of the load capacities they’ll be working with as well as the dimensions of the load itself. The more complex calculation, however, is understanding the logistical constraints of your space. Heavy duty forklifts are large pieces of equipment designed to handle incredibly heavy loads, and as such, they require ample room to be able to maneuver safely through a facility.
The other spatial factor to think about is overhead restrictions. Because high capacity forklifts have limited free lift, overhead restrictions will dictate how high loads can be lifted as they are moved through a facility. Free lift is the maximum height a forklift’s forks can be raised without changing the mast height. Understanding free lift is especially important because miscalculations can lead to damaged product or equipment – or worse, safety hazards for operators and pedestrians. Take the time to do a proper site assessment, preferably while working with a warehouse specialist, and identify all overhead restrictions.
For particularly tight indoor spaces, the High-Capacity Electric Cushion Forklift offers excellent maneuverability with the versatility of electric power. Thanks to its AC drive motor, this beast can handle loads weighing up to 40,000 lbs.
Load center for heavy duty forklifts
When it comes to high-capacity forklifts, calculating load center can be nuanced. With most heart of the line forklifts, the load center is 24″ from the face of the forks. Because of the various longer fork lengths on large capacity forklifts, the equipment can have various load centers; 24”, 36”, and 48”. This metric will also play a factor in helping you determine which model is right for you.
Heavy duty forklift attachments
Some of the most common industries utilizing high capacity forklifts are construction, forging, steel, aluminum, rigging, stamping, and marina. These industries all have one thing in common: they are challenged with moving heavy loads of unusual shapes and sizes. In many cases, specialized attachments are needed. Coil rams, clamp rotators and booms are just a few attachments that heavy duty forklifts can be fit with, but a customized attachment can be created for almost any use case.
High Capacity IC Cushion lifting steel rolls
Knowing your environment
Heavy duty forklifts are put to the test, and not only in terms of workload. The environments they operate in are often harsh and demanding. While discussing which model is right for you, consider the demands of the environment. Are you operating on concrete, asphalt, loose gravel, or dirt? High capacity IC pneumatic forklifts have rugged pneumatic tires to help them maneuver over the rough terrain that accompanies most construction sites.
Not all high-capacity material handling jobs take place outdoors. The High-Capacity Large IC Cushion forklift is designed to operate indoors, making it a great choice for industries such as automotive, large manufacturing, forging, steel and cement.
Tires aren’t the only thing to think about when it comes to the environmental demands of your job site. Heavy duty forklifts used in hazardous facilities like foundries may require special protection. Options such as fire blankets, fire suppression systems, fire resistant hydraulic fluid or specialized windshields and wire mesh are available to protect operators and the equipment from the heat or debris. On the flip side, heavy duty forklifts that are used in cold outdoor environments may require heated cabs, windshield defrosters, engine block heaters, hydraulic heaters, and fuel heaters.
Why choose Toyota heavy duty forklifts
While doing your research about the differences of high capacity forklifts, keep in mind that each THD model is proudly assembled in the U.S.A. They also come standard with load sensing hydrostatic power steering and touchscreen displays that enable the operator to work safely and stay in tune with the job at hand.
ProLift has a 40+ year history of helping customers find the right solution and purchasing option for heavy duty equipment. Our service doesn’t stop after the purchase – our team of expert technicians are specially trained to service heavy duty equipment.
Contact Heavy Duty Equipment Specialist