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The Essential Guide to Counterbalance Forklifts: Boosting Efficiency in Diverse Industries

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In the world of material handling and logistics, efficiency and safety are paramount. When it comes to moving heavy loads in various industries and work environments, counterbalance forklifts play a pivotal role. These versatile machines offer a unique combination of power, maneuverability, and stability that make them indispensable in countless settings. In this blog, we’ll explore what counterbalance forklifts are, the benefits they bring to your business, the types of work they are suitable for, and the industries and work environments that benefit from their use.

What Are Counterbalance Forklifts?

Counterbalance forklifts are a type of forklift truck designed to carry heavy loads and maintain stability without the need for extended support legs. They get their name from their weight distribution, which is carefully balanced to counteract the weight of the load being carried. This unique design allows them to move efficiently and safely in tight spaces, making them suitable for a wide range of applications.

What are the Benefits of Counterbalance Forklifts

Counterbalance forklifts are incredibly versatile, making them ideal for both indoor and outdoor use. They can handle various terrains and work well on smooth warehouse floors, rough construction sites, and everything in between.

Their design allows them to access narrow aisles and work in tight spaces, optimizing your storage space and reducing the need for extensive warehouse expansions.

The counterbalance design ensures that the forklift remains stable, even when carrying heavy loads. This stability minimizes the risk of accidents and improves safety in the workplace.

Counterbalance forklifts are known for their speed and maneuverability, allowing for quick material handling, which increases productivity and reduces downtime.

With their versatility, counterbalance forklifts can perform multiple tasks, reducing the need for additional equipment and lowering operational costs.

Types of Work Suitable for Counterbalance Forklifts

Counterbalance forklifts are a staple in warehousing and distribution centers, where they efficiently move pallets, load and unload trucks, and stack products on high shelves.

In manufacturing facilities, counterbalance forklifts are used to transport raw materials, components, and finished products within the production line.

These forklifts are indispensable for lifting and moving heavy construction materials like steel beams, lumber, and concrete blocks on job sites.

Retail stores and supermarkets use counterbalance forklifts for unloading and organizing goods in storage areas and on store shelves.

Counterbalance forklifts are adapted for agricultural settings to handle tasks such as loading and unloading supplies, stacking hay bales, and transporting harvested crops.

CAT – The Right Choice for your Forklift Fleet

As a CAT dealer, we are able to offer their great range of counterbalance forklifts.

CAT (Caterpillar) counterbalance forklifts are renowned for their exceptional quality and performance in the material handling industry. These forklifts are designed to provide robust solutions for lifting and transporting heavy loads in warehouses, construction sites, and various industrial settings.

CAT is a trusted brand known for its engineering excellence and commitment to producing equipment that goes the distance. When it comes to choosing a brand for counterbalance forklifts, CAT is an excellent choice due to its reputation for reliability and durability. Whether you require a forklift for stacking, loading, or transporting goods, CAT counterbalance forklifts are a top choice for businesses seeking high-quality equipment to enhance their material handling operations.

Whatever the forklift you’re looking for, we can help out. We offer forklifts for sale, hire and can also help with servicing and maintenance. Get in touch with our friendly team today to find out more.

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What is a counterbalance forklift truck?

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With so many types of forklift trucks on the market, designed to carry out a specific need, it’s important that you understand the type of forklift you need, its suitability for the job you need it for, and its capabilities. As counterbalance forklift trucks are among the most commonly used type of trucks across a wide range of industries, we’ve put together a guide explaining what a counterbalance forklift truck is, what it does and the ways in which it will benefit your business.

What is a counterbalance forklift truck?

A counterbalance forklift has two forks placed at the front of the truck, which give it the ability to go up close to a load in order to lift it and move it to the required destination. The name of the truck comes from the counterweight at the back of the vehicle. This helps balance out the heavy load that’s being lifted at the front of the forklift, as the counterbalance definition would suggest.

You can find a counterbalance forklift in both three and four wheel options and you can choose from electric, gas or diesel engines. They’re extremely powerful and ideal for lifting heavy loads in numerous different environments.

What does a counterbalance forklift truck do?

Counterbalance forklift trucks are often used to transport heavy objects and materials to another location. Unlike other forklift trucks, counterbalance trucks have a counterweight at the rear end to make them safer. Not only are counterbalance forklift trucks versatile – meaning they can be used both inside a warehouse or outside on a construction site – but they also drive perfectly on smooth, flat surfaces due to their big turning circle.

How can a counterbalance forklift truck help your business?

Save money

Electric counterbalance forklift trucks only need water to top them up and electricity to recharge the battery, so you’ll be saving on fuel costs.

Health and safety

Counterbalance trucks are a great way to improve health and safety in the workplace. With electric trucks, you don’t need to store fuel and you can replace the battery easily.

Maintenance

While your counterbalance forklift will need regular maintenance to ensure it remains in good and safe working condition, it’s not something you have to worry about. The reason? High-quality counterbalance forklift trucks have a good life span, so you’ll simply be replacing and repairing small parts like engine oil, coolants and filters.

Increased versatility

Counterbalance forklift trucks are great if you’re looking for extra versatility. This is because they can be fitted with a wide selection of attachments. This includes the following:

• Clamps like paper rolls or bale allow counterbalance forklift trucks to efficiently pick and lift irregular shaped loads.

• Rotators allow counterbalance forklift trucks to tip and rotate industrial bins securely and safely.

• Carpet poles allow textiles and materials like carpet to be wrapped around the main pole for quick and easy transport.

Carry a wide selection of weights

Counterbalance forklift trucks are designed to safely carry weights from as little as 1.8 tonnes all the way up to 48 tonnes. The bigger the lift capacity of the counterbalance forklift, the bigger the size of the unit. This is to ensure that the counterbalance can sufficiently balance the weight of the heavy loads being picked up.

A range of fuel types

There is a range of counterbalance forklift fuel types available for you to power your trucks. These include:

• Petrol

• Diesel

• LPG

• Battery electric

Due to the different fuel types, you can customise your unit to carry out a specific application. For example, the diesel-powered counterbalance forklift truck will ensure that you have enough power to manoeuvre large loads like containers and the electric counterbalance forklift truck will help reduce toxic emissions – which is particularly helpful if you’re working indoors.

Contact Radnes today

Did you know that counterbalance forklift trucks are among the best type of forklifts? Whether you’re looking for a three-wheel or four-wheel truck, here at Radnes, we’re confident that we’ll have the right one for you. We also have a wide selection of makes and models on offer to suit your needs, including counterbalance floor crane hire.

As a counterbalance forklift dealer in London, Radnes Services is more than happy to help you. We have all the counterbalance forklift trucks you need for any situation or project. We’re also proud to offer training for your employees on the safe use of counterbalance forklift trucks. If you’re not sure what type of counterbalance forklift truck to buy or hire, or you need help with anything related to counterbalance forklift trucks, our team of experts can offer you the advice and services that will help get your business moving in the right direction. So, get in touch with our professional team today for all your counterbalance forklift truck needs.

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Buying a used counterbalance truck? Here’s what you need to look out for

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There are some great offers in the used counterbalance marketplace at the moment. However, to really get the best value from your new machine(s), you’ll need to do your research.

Similar to when you’re buying a new car, a lift truck’s owner may hold their cards to their chest: not telling you important details about your truck’s history or issues.

If you’re considering a secondhand lift truck, it’s crucial that you work with a supplier with a great reputation. And, just as with a car, it’s important to thoroughly examine the forklift before you purchase it.

It’s important to bear in mind that the decision to buy secondhand increases the danger of breakdowns. Before you commit, you should ask yourself three questions:

– How much will it cost your business if the lift truck is out of action?
– Is yours a hard-wearing or high-intensity operation?
– Will your truck be operating for four hours or more each day?

Have you answered yes to any of these? Then you just might be better off investing in a new lift truck or, as an alternative, you might benefit from purchasing a used machine which can be called upon when breakdowns occur.

Whatever your needs, here are some questions to help you get the best deal on a used truck.

1) Is it the right counterbalance truck for the job?

Regardless of whether you choose to buy new or used, it’s good practice to ask for quotes for new equipment, alongside used, from three or more suppliers. This allows you to identify any variances, such as mast height or capacity, so you get the right equipment for your application.

2) Is my dealer reputable?

Your dealer should be able to provide you with recommendations and references. It’s also worth asking for details of any accreditations they hold.

3) Do the details add up?

Make sure that the forklift bears the CE mark. This shows it’s approved for use within the EU. If your truck doesn’t have this, you may have problems when the time comes to sell it, access an operator’s manual in English or get parts for it. And, should that truck be involved in an accident, the lack of EU-approval may invalidate your insurance.

4) How many hours has the truck worked?

Just like your car’s odometer, your forklift’s hour-meter tells you how much is ‘on the clock’. Experts suggest that an hour of lifting is equivalent to motoring in a car at 30 mph. It’s good practice to verify the meter reading by requesting the machine’s service record. (This also lets you check its service history.)

5) How does it start up?

A forklift represents a significant investment for many businesses. That’s why it’s important to inspect the truck in person and take it for a ‘test drive’ before committing to purchase. If you have an in-house service engineer, it’s worth bringing them along for sound advice.

With counterbalance trucks, it’s best to begin with a truck that hasn’t been started recently. Because the engine is cold, it allows you to spot any issues with smoke levels. The engine should turn over easily. If it fails to, then this could be a sign of ignition problems.

6) Is the mast a smooth operator?

Test its mast movement – laden and unladen. It should operate smoothly without sticking. There shouldn’t be any movement within the mast channels or between the mast and the carriage.

When loaded, keep an eye out for the mast creeping forward. This may indicate problems with seals, rams or valves.

Under LOLER, your masts and chains must be examined – prior to sale – by a competent person. This can be confirmed by requesting a Report of Thorough Examination from the vendor.

7) How do the forks look?

Inspect the counterbalance truck’s forks carefully. Be on the lookout for cracks and damage, and look for wear by checking heel thickness. This is specified by the truck’s manufacturer. Where this isn’t available, please refer to ISO5057.

It’s important that the fork fits the truck well. If it fits loosely, this may mean there’s wear or damage to its hanger or carriage points.

8) Do the tyres match the truck?

Always make sure that your truck has the right tyres fitted – otherwise they may wear prematurely. Also keep an eye out for uneven wear. It can be sign of axle alignment issues which are expensive to fix.

We’ve prepared this helpful checklist to help you spot issues with used forklifts before you commit to purchase.

Be alert to:

  • Any damage to the overhead guard or load backrest
  • Low oil pressures
  • Wear to rings or valves
  • Damage to the radiator
  • Rust particles in the engine coolant
  • Discoloured transmission fluids
  • Bowed mast channels
  • Scored mast or cylinder rods
  • Leaky hydraulic control valves
  • No official CE mark
  • Damage to fork arms (cracks, welds, excessive wear)
  • Cracks or signs of re-welding to the chassis
  • Rusting of the chassis
  • Uneven tyre wear
  • Excessive motor noise when travelling fully loaded
  • Black, sooty residue from the exhaust
  • Harsh braking
  • Operator manual in a different language
  • No Report of Thorough Examination

Whether you choose to buy new or used, we recommend you give it the same time and consideration you would give to buying a car.

At Radnes, we are experts in the sale of new and used forklift trucks. Our wide range of counterbalance and warehouse trucks ensure that, whatever your budget, need or deadline, we can assist you.

For further information, please call us on 0800 195 9831 or email us at sales@radnes.com