Forklifts and Pallet Trucks

Electric trucks suit indoor work: no exhaust emissions, lower running costs, but they need a charging area and the battery's condition dominates a used truck's value. LPG trucks such as the Toyota 8FGF18 refuel in minutes and handle yard work and ramps. If the truck works indoors most of the day, start electric and inspect the battery first.

Read the hour meter against the truck's age, then check what hours do not show: mast channels and chains for wear, forks for heel thickness and cracks, tyres, and hydraulic leaks. On electrics, ask the battery's age and have it load-tested if possible. Ask for service records and the latest report of thorough examination.

Yes. Under LOLER 1998 a forklift's lifting components need a thorough examination by a competent person before first use on your site and at least every twelve months after. Your operators also need appropriate training on that truck type. Budget both into the purchase, and ask whether a current examination report transfers with the truck.

Measure the clear aisle between racking faces. A counterbalance truck typically needs 3.5 metres or more to turn into a pallet, a reach truck around 2.7, and an articulated truck such as the AisleMaster works close to 2 metres. Buying the wrong class either wastes floor space or blocks the aisle; measure before you shortlist.

A truck's plated capacity applies at a stated load centre, usually 500 mm, and at low lift heights. Raise the load or move its centre of gravity forward and the safe capacity falls, which the truck's capacity plate sets out by height. Check the plate against your heaviest pallet at your highest beam before buying, not after.