Top Trends Influencing Industrial Forklift Selection
Choosing the right forklift for your operation depends on factors like industry tasks, work environment and company budget. As industrial labor markets shift, staying on top of forklift selection trends is essential for maintaining productivity and safety. New developments may be exactly what you need to improve warehouse management and other forklift processes.
We’ll cover five forklift trends to help you choose an industrial forklift when you’re ready for an upgrade. Many of these trends will continue to develop over the next several years, improving forklift operator user experience, efficiency and safety standards.
Adaptation With Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Automation updates are continually making forklifts safer. For example, AI-driven sensors can automatically stop collisions before they occur, creating an additional safety net for operators. Some forklifts are also equipped to alert operators if they’re exceeding the speed limit or lifting too much weight for the equipment.
You can also harness AI to gather data and improve efficiency in a warehouse. For example, telematics systems can track fleet vehicles to gather data on their activity, routes and performance. These analytics can also be used to track and schedule preventive maintenance, so equipment doesn’t break down and interrupt an operator’s daily routine.
In some cases, you can even use automation to sync forklifts with a warehouse management system. That way, operators can receive real-time information on picking, storage and inventory moves. Using AI can improve your forklift fleet’s efficiency, safety and productivity.
Operator Comfort
Another trend is improvements for operator comfort and physical safety. Operating a forklift requires repetitive movement and can be dangerous, jarring employees with sustained vibrations and loud sounds. Some positive changes you can look for include:
- Improved seat designs: Mechanical suspension seats absorb machine vibrations, protecting employees from operator fatigue.
- Climate control: Some forklifts offer enclosed cabs with climate control and noise-dampening features.
- Better visibility: New forklifts are designed with larger windows and thinner pillars for better visibility, so operators don’t have to twist and turn so much to see.
You can also find forklifts with lower, wider steps, making it easier for operators to climb in and out of the equipment. Appropriately spaced handles can also improve safety and comfort when using material handling equipment.
Electrification for Forklifts
As technology continues to evolve, many warehouses are switching to electric forklifts instead of purchasing new diesel- and gas-powered equipment. There are several reasons to make this switch:
- Reduced fuel and maintenance costs: Electric forklifts are significantly less expensive to maintain and fuel than diesel- or gas-powered forklifts. Switching to electric forklifts can save thousands over their lifetime. Research backs up the cost benefits of going electric for this equipment.
- Increased safety and comfort: Forklifts that run on electricity vibrate much less and are quieter than traditional forklifts. This creates a healthier environment for operators. It’s also much safer to run electric forklifts inside a closed space in the winter, since carbon dioxide and other emissions won’t fill the space.
If you’re looking for a new forklift, an electric model might be your best option. For warehouse material handling, electric forklifts are an excellent choice — they’re reliable, quiet and safe to operate within closed spaces.
Zero-Emission Forklifts
Because electric forklifts create fewer carbon dioxide emissions, more states and industry regulations are supporting their adoption. For example, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) has adopted a regulation to promote zero-emission forklifts in California.
Zero-emission forklifts don’t create any type of emissions, like carbon dioxide or other pollutants, during operation. They’re typically powered by an electric battery or fuel cells. In addition to benefiting the environment, zero-emission forklifts can also benefit your operations and warehouse management.
Zero-emission forklifts are an excellent choice for indoor warehouses since they present fewer risks. They’re efficient, reliable and easy to operate compared to internal combustion (IC) models. Choosing zero-emission forklifts can help your company reach sustainability goals while directly benefiting warehouse operations.
Creative Types of Industrial Forklifts
Warehouses often have limited space for forklifts to maneuver. Thankfully, heavy equipment manufacturers have risen to this challenge and designed forklift solutions for narrow aisles, higher heights and other space constraints. If you’re ready to upgrade your forklift, consider some of these options:
- Narrow aisle forklifts: Smaller forklifts make it possible to reduce warehouse aisles, saving space and storing more merchandise without risking operator safety.
- High lift forklifts: With this equipment, you can safely reach greater lift heights. This is particularly useful for warehouses that want to expand storage vertically with higher racks.
- Multidirectional forklifts: This machinery moves in more directions, including sideways, forward and backward. Articulated forklifts allow you to pivot the mast for maximum range of motion.
Warehouse organization has a major impact on productivity and revenue. You can improve the layout and efficiency of your warehouse by investing in modern forklift equipment designed for tighter spaces.
Choosing an Industrial Forklift
Understanding forklift trends is key to making choices with long-term benefits for your company. If you know that AI is continuing to develop and impact material handling technology, choosing a forklift with AI integration is a good way to test that feature for your fleet. As the industry grows, you’ll be at the forefront of technology, prepped for every change and ahead of competitors.
To choose the best forklift upgrade, there are several questions you can ask:
- What specific task will this forklift be completing?
- How many years do we plan to use this equipment?
- What is one small upgrade that will have a big impact for us?
The answers to these questions will vary for every company and industry-specific task. Once you have a clear picture of what this equipment is for, you can sort through trends and your budget to make the best decision for your company. Positive change and company growth are the result of many small decisions — you don’t have to replace your entire fleet to benefit from technological advances in material handling equipment.
Choose Medley Equipment Company for Forklifts
Since 1941, Medley Equipment Company has been supporting industry professionals with material handling services. We’re a one-stop shop for new and used forklifts, equipment rentals, maintenance services and OEM parts. When you work with us, you’ll be blown away by our level of customer service and personalized support.
We consider it an honor to support your business, ensuring you and your employees have everything needed to succeed — whether that’s quality lift equipment, employee training or warehouse storage and stacking systems. Our inventory includes forklifts, boom lifts, scissor lifts and pallet jacks, as well as solutions for narrow aisle material handling. Call 866-734-6687 to get started or learn more. You can also use our online map to find our nearest location.