With so many options for forklifts out there, it can seem like a daunting task to find the right one for your material handling needs. From pallet trucks to counterbalance trucks and everything in between, there are countless forklift options out there, but it is still important to find the right one to suit your warehouse.
One option that you may have trouble with when purchasing a new lift is whether to buy a stand-up or sit-down forklift. Many purchase a sit-down lift because it is the standard, when a stand-up lift may be a better option. Here are some tips for helping you decide between sit-down or stand-up forklifts.
Perhaps the biggest advantage of a sit-down forklift is driver comfort. Many have found that a comfortable forklift operator is a productive operator. Studies have also found that happy employees work harder and are more productive, so keeping your driver happy by keeping them off of their feet may be the right thing for your operation.
While sit-down forklifts keep operators comfortable, stand-up forklifts have a few considerable advantages to the standard sit-down. One very important benefit of a stand-up lift is visibility. Sit-down lifts only allow the driver forward facing visibility, forcing the operator to twist look over his shoulder when going in reverse. A stand-up lift, on the other hand, offers full range visibility no matter the direction the forklift is moving.
Another advantage of the stand-up lift is maneuverability. Stand-up lifts often offer better turning radius and range of motion compared to sit-downs. In smaller spaces and close quarters, the maneuverability of a stand-up lift may be preferable. Industry experts also suggest that drivers are more alert when standing up.
Despite a few advantages a stand-up lift boasts, you may still find that sit-down lifts are right for your operation and its productivity. Switching to a stand-up from a sit-down lift may cost your warehouse resources and training time that you would rather avoid. There is no one size fits all when it comes to forklifts, so focus on finding the right lift for your warehouse and its needs.
