Business to business (B2B) construction projects are significantly improved with powered access machinery. These are lifting machinery which enables workers to perform tasks at height safely, such as moving materials to higher places. Forklift hire is one of the most popular powered access types and is very useful on construction sites for material handling. This is particularly beneficial for heavy supplies that are impossible to move by hand.
There’s several forklift types that businesses can use on their construction sites that will streamline operations. This guide will give you more insight into these types of machinery and their construction roles. Continue reading to find out more.
Types of Forklift
Industrial
Industry forklifts are designed for heavy material lifting while on stable surfaces like concrete or stone, so it’s the perfect machinery for moving pallets of materials across construction sites. They have a high lifting capacity that allow construction workers to take large loads from one area to another with zero limitations. They do require more maintenance than other types of forklifts due to the strain that is constantly on their frames and hydraulics. This means that you should conduct regular inspections.
Counterbalance
These versatile workhorses are used on many sites, particularly in warehousing, manufacturing and distribution. It even has significant uses in some construction and outdoor applications to ensure the safe transportation of heavy loads, which improves the construction process. The high inherent stability and maneuverability make it suitable for a wide range of tasks. They do need to be regularly checked for optimal fluid levels though. Tire wear is a big factor in counterbalancing forklifts, especially if used on both indoor and outdoor surfaces.
Rough Terrain
If most of your construction work takes place on rough terrains, this particular type of forklift can navigate unpaved, rugged terrain jobs where standard forklifts will struggle. They’re very important to many construction sites, especially if they’re primarily on unstable ground. These forklifts have very rugged tires and high ground clearance, so it’s difficult for them to get stuck on anything. Be mindful of project duration as well, since rough terrain forklifts generally require more maintenance over time.
Pallet Jack
The primary function of a pallet jack is to carry pallets of materials from one place to another. While forklifts often handle the bulk of truck loading/unloading, pallet jacks are crucial for maneuvering pallets within the truck trailer or container, and for moving goods to and from the loading dock. This can speed up the construction process and make the project complete on time with no delays. Using pallet jacks for moving even moderately heavy loads reduces the risk of back injuries and strain for workers compared to manual carrying. It has been the saving grace of the construction workforce.
Telehandler
One of the primary uses of telehandlers is their ability to efficiently move and place materials at varying heights and distances. Whether it's hoisting pallets of bricks to elevated platforms for bricklayers, delivering timber beams to carpenters working on scaffolding or positioning steel girders for welders, the telehandler's telescopic arm eliminates the need for multiple pieces of equipment and reduces manual handling. This not only accelerates the construction timeline but also minimizes the risk of musculoskeletal injuries associated with heavy lifting.