United Kingdom
Deutschland
France
Belgium
Bulgaria
Česká Republika
Croatia
Denmark
España
Finland
Greece
Hungary
Iceland
Ireland
Italia
Kazakhstan
Latvia
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Nederland
Norway
Österreich
Polska
Portugal
Romania
Schweiz
Slovakia
Slovenia
Sweden
Türkiye
United States
Canada
Argentina
Brasil
Chile
Colombia
Costa Rica
Cuba
Dominican Republic
Ecuador
El Salvador
Guatemala
Jamaica
México
.svg.png?width=24&name=Flag_of_Peru_(state).svg.png){kind=small}
Peru
Trinidad and Tobago
.png?width=24&name=Flag_of_Uruguay_(1828-1830).png){kind=small}
Uruguay
Australia
中国
中国香港
India
Indonesia
日本
대한민국
Malaysia
New Zealand
Pakistan
Philippines
Qatar
Saudi Arabia
Singapore
Taiwan
Thailand
UAE
Vietnam
Algeria
Egypt
Kenya
Mauritius
Morocco
South Africa
Tunisia
Product Utilisation
The first factor to consider is how much you are going to use a forklift. For example, if you will have high utilisation across multiple shifts and where drivers will be using the forklift truck throughout the day, you may want to consider a truck that includes ergonomic features such as more comfortable seating and controls.
Total Cost of Ownership
With 95% of all forklift trucks hired instead of purchased, understanding the total cost of ownership for your lift truck is crucial. This consideration involves assessing finance costs, maintenance options, quality of construction and overall running costs.
Safety Features
Buyers of forklift trucks should prioritise safety by considering factors like stability, cab visibility, safety enclosures, braking systems, warning systems, speed control, restraints and emergency stop systems. Choosing the right forklift type and attachments is also a crucial consideration when it comes to safety.
Speed
When purchasing a forklift truck, consider any restrictions on equipment speed on your site. Forklift trucks have a maximum speed of 18kph but in practice, many companies install limiters to ensure that operators do not exceed site or area speed limits, despite the forklifts having the capacity for higher speeds.
Lifting Capacity
The capacity of a forklift truck is a critical consideration because it directly impacts safety and utilisation. You should ensure you assess the lifting capabilities at various heights to ensure the forklift meets your business demands.
Power Type
Depending on your preference and operational requirements, it’s important to assess how your forklift truck will be powered i.e., diesel, electric or LPG. Selecting the appropriate power type for a forklift truck is a crucial decision with significant operational implications. The choice should align with operational needs, considering tasks, indoor or outdoor usage, run-time requirements, emissions regulations and objectives, and available infrastructure.
Electric forklifts are environmentally friendly and quiet but have limited run times (though this can be addressed with effective charging and/or lithium options). Diesel forklifts offer high power and durability but emit emissions and are noisy. LPG forklifts provide versatility and longer run times, but require space for fuel storage.
Size & Machine Footprint
In almost every industry, space is at a premium. Considering space is crucial when choosing a forklift model to ensure they are well-suited to the operating environment. Smaller forklifts with tight turning circles are advantageous in confined spaces, promoting efficient material handling and overall safety.
Type of Forklift
Like any equipment, there are a range of different types of forklifts on the market. Understanding the variety of products a brand offers can help you find a solution tailored to your needs. Common types of forklifts include counterbalance trucks, reach trucks, order pickers and rough terrain forklifts.
Safety First
Electric tugs are designed to prioritise safety, especially in environments with a high density of workers. Their operational design minimises the risk of accidents, which can be a common concern with forklifts traversing through busy areas.
A key concern for many businesses when it comes to the safety of equipment is speed. Ride-on or driven equipment can travel at higher speeds than pedestrian equipment, with forklift trucks reaching a maximum of 18kph. However, the safety of large trucks moving through facilities and yards at speed is questionable, with many businesses limiting the speed of equipment to meet site legislation. Where loads need to be moved in busy, congested environments, an alternative solution – like electric tugs may be a safer option.
Versatility in Applications
Electric tugs are known for their versatility, capable of handling a wide array of tasks and the ability to move multiple loads at once. This makes them a more flexible choice in manufacturing settings, where the nature of tasks can vary greatly. Likewise, electric tugs offer the capability to move loads of up to 70,000kg with a single machine without compromising the safety or efficiency of an operation.
No Operator License Required
One of the standout advantages of electric tugs is the fact that they don't require an operator's license. This means that they can be operated by a broader range of personnel without the need for specialist training that is typically required for forklift operation. This not only saves time but also enhances operational efficiency.
Efficiency in Operations
Electric tugs are synonymous with efficiency. They are engineered to streamline the process of moving products, equipment, and materials within manufacturing environments. The ability to be operated by any individual means tasks can be completed more swiftly, avoiding the delays that might occur as teams wait for a licensed forklift driver to become available.
What are some of the benefits of electric tugs?
-
1. License-free operation
One major benefit of electric tow tugs is that they do not require specialist licenses to operate. This is because, unlike forklifts, electric tow tugs don’t lift loads, so they do not fall under LOLER regulations (Lifting Operations ad Lifting Equipment Regulations, 1998).
-
2. Reduced downtime
This makes electric tow tugs an ideal solution for intense production environments. Their license-free operation means any member of staff can easily execute controlled movements, removing the need to wait around for a licensed driver, and significantly reducing downtime. This makes them perfectly suited for delivering parts to the production line or transferring heavy loads through assembly stages.
-
3. Improved workplace safety
Removing the lifting operation, electric tugs mean loads stay safely on the ground, enabling you to improve safety. Many organisations are opting for electric tugs to create fork-free operations, enabling them to remove the risk of collisions with pedestrians and reduce injuries.
With intuitive, ergonomic controls, electric tugs require zero physical exertion from operators, empowering staff to move loads of up to 360,000kg with ease and achieving a secondary benefit in reducing manual handling.
-
4. Reduced maintenance costs
Compared to forklift trucks, the electric tug design reduces maintenance costs. With an easy-to-service construction, they deliver the most cost-effective solution that will deliver time and time again.
-
5. Increased flexibility
With a modular design, electric tugs enable you to benefit from maximum flexibility. As a versatile solution, tow tugs can be utilised on multiple applications or move long trains of loads to further increase productivity.
-
Toyota Material Handling
-
Linde Material Handling
-
Hyster-Yale Materials Handling
-
Jungheinrich
-
Crown Equipment Corporation
-
Mitsubishi Logisnext
-
Doosan Industrial Vehicle
-
Cesab
-
EP Equipment
Toyota Material Handling
Range of Forklift Products
Toyota Material Handling offers a broad range of forklift products catering to various needs and applications. Their line-up includes counterbalance trucks, warehouse equipment, and towing tractors. Whether you're looking for reach trucks or pallet trucks, Toyota has a diverse range to meet different operational demands and is well-known in the material handling industry.
Power Type
Toyota provides both electric and ICE engine-powered trucks. Their electric models are known for their eco-friendliness and low noise levels, while the engine-powered trucks excel in terms of power and reliability.
Load Capacity & Lifting Capacity at Height
Toyota’s forklift trucks come with different load capacities to suit various operational requirements. From high-capacity ICE trucks capable of handling up to 8 tons to smaller electric trucks ideal for navigating narrow aisles, they offer a range of options. Moreover, their reach trucks can manage heights of up to 13 meters, ensuring efficient high-level stacking.
Additional Comparing Factors
Toyota stands out with its commitment to innovation and sustainability. Their I_Site fleet management system integrates smart technology into their trucks, enhancing safety and efficiency. Furthermore, they offer comprehensive after-sales support, ensuring smooth operation throughout the product's life cycle.
.png?width=204&height=122&name=download%20(7).png)
.png?width=173&height=173&name=download%20(8).png)
