Capital Equipment News June 2022

better manoeuvrability and are used for transporting heavy loads across rugged terrain.” Electric forklifts are typically used for indoor warehousing applications, while truck mounted forklifts are designed to be attached to a truck for easy transportation to remote sites. CFAO Equipment SA product manager Brent Light makes the distinction between 3-wheel electric; electric and internal combustion engine (ICE) forklifts. He says 3-wheel electric forklifts are nimble and manoeuvrable, making them perfect for warehouse applications. “The technologies on electric forklifts have come a long way, meaning electric units are now able to handle the majority of applications that were traditionally dominated by ICE units.” Internal combustion forklifts, says Light, are tough, rugged and reliable. “Powerpallet Trucks are perfect for a wide range of operations. These units are designed for horizontal movements of pallets,” says Light. He says Reach Trucks are the ‘bread and butter’ of the warehousing industry. These units are perfect for in-rack vertical pallet movements. “Order pickers are designed with a wide range of lift heights and can be customised for both small and large batch picking requirements,” says Light. He says VNA (Very Narrow Aisle) is the best choice when maximising pallet positions in a warehouse is the goal. These highly specialised units can be tailored to specific business requirements. “These units are the driving force behind the African forklift industry as they are suitable for a wide variety of applications.” Orizen Group operations head Akshay Manchanda distinguishes between ICE models for indoor and outdoor use; 3-wheelers and articulated machines for narrow aisles; reach trucks to lift loads at points higher than 6 m; power pallet trucks to carry pallets across long distances in quick time; stackers for light racking applications; tow tractors for towing loads across distances, and order pickers for picking stock at height. Choosing the right forklift “The crucial factor when choosing the right forklift for the job,” says Patrick Barber, business development director for Goscor Lift Truck Company, “is to not be influenced by your current solution, which may well be the right solution, but the technologies on these machines are continuously changing, so it is imperative to engage the right supplier before you buy.”

A T-Matic automated truck from Eazi Access.

A Doosan D25S-7 diesel forklift from Goscor Lift Truck Company.

Internal combustion forklifts are the driving force behind the African forklift industry as they are suitable for a wide variety of applications

It is essential to understand the correct specification by doing a professional application survey when looking to buy a new forklift

The decision whether to purchase or rent a forklift comes down to the businesses policy and the major consideration is the outlay of working capital

If a forklift is needed often as part of the daily operations, it will make more sense financially to purchase a forklift as the rental costs may outweigh the cost of purchasing

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“It is critical that we understand the business requirements and the application in which the unit will operate.”

Brent Light Equipment SA product manager at CFAO Equipment SA.

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CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NEWS JUNE2022