Forklift Rental Chattanooga—Warehouse, Pallet Jacks, & More
Forklifts are an essential tool used in any number of industries and are relied on heavily for fast, efficient transporting and stacking of goods. They are one of the most powerful pieces of equipment for builders and warehouse operators, especially indispensable on any job site. When moving heavy loads in a warehouse or construction setting, forklifts can safely lift, move, and maneuver objects humans could not on their own.
This being said, there are a lot of different styles and models of forklifts to choose from, so if you’re looking for a forklift rental in Chattanooga, you may not know exactly where to start. Our team at Action Rentals & Sales can help you find the right forklift for your needs and offers rental options so you can get the job done.
Types of Forklifts
The most popular forklift types include:
- Warehouse forklifts
- Side loaders
- Counterbalance forklifts
- Telehandlers
- Industrial forklifts
- Rough terrain forklifts
- Pallet jacks
- And more
The most popular or recognizable style is the warehouse forklift, resembling a golf cart with twin forks extending out from the front end. These forklifts are great for loading and unloading pallets of inventory, as well as transporting large and heavy items to and from delivery vehicles.
Side loaders and counterbalance forklift trucks are subtypes of warehouse forklifts. The side loader is usually found in steel service centers and manufacturing facilities with bulky, heavy items. With this tool, the operator stands in a sideways compartment while the side loader loads and unloads objects on its side. The configuration of these loaders makes it easy to drive them up alongside racks of items loading and unloading without having to turn.
Counterbalance forklifts are another popular type, featuring forks in the front and weight in the back of the vehicle intended to counterbalance the weight of the load being maneuvered. Counterbalance forklifts don’t have extending arms, so they’re able to move directly to the load itself.
There are different types of counterbalance forklifts including the 3-wheel type which is ideal for scenarios in which the operator is required to turn and go in circles, and the stand-up counterbalance forklift, which allows the operator to easily get on and off the truck between loads.
7 Classes of Forklifts
The forklift has been around for 100 years, and today can be found in use in every warehouse around the globe. There are actually 7 classes of forklifts, and each classification requires a specific certification for use. Classification is dependent on factors such as application, fuel options, and forklift features. Understanding the differences will help you decide what type you’ll need to rent from Action Rental & Sales.
Class 1– Electric Motor Rider Trucks
These forklift types can be equipped with either cushion or pneumatic tires depending on use. Indoor trucks generally have cushioned tires for use on smooth floors, while trucks with pneumatic tires can work well in dry, outdoor applications. These versatile forklifts use industrial batteries and transistor motor controllers. They are great for applications in which air quality is a concern.
Class 2– Electric Motor Narrow Aisle Trucks
These vehicles have unique features and are designed for use in applications in tighter spaces with narrow aisles to be maneuvered through. They generally boast speed and efficiency.
Class 3– Electric Motor Hand or Hand-Rider Trucks
These forklifts are hand controlled, meaning the operator is in front of the truck controlling the lift through a steering tiller. The operator moves the tiller with controls mounted on it from side to side to steer the vehicle. This class is battery-powered.
Class 4– Internal Combustion Engine Trucks with Cushion Tires
These forklift types are used indoors on smooth, dry flooring. They work well for transporting palletized loads with cushion tires that are lower to the ground, making them useful in low-clearance situations.
Class 5– Internal Combustion Engine Trucks with Pneumatic Tires
Most commonly seen in warehouses, this forklift type can be used for essentially any type of application both indoors and out. They boast a large capacity range– useful for moving single pallet loads up to 40-foot containers. Powered by combustion engines, these forklifts can be powered by LPG, gasoline, diesel, and compressed natural gas fueling systems.
Class 6– Electric and Internal Combustion Engine Tractors
These versatile vehicles can be used in a variety of situations. Some are powered by electric motors for indoor applications, while others feature internal combustion engines for outdoor use.
Class 7– Rough-Terrain Forklifts
These trucks are fitted with large, floatation tires for use outdoors on difficult terrain. Common in lumber yard and auto recycling applications, these forklifts are often used to transport building materials around construction sites. If you’re looking to rent a forklift truck in the Chattanooga area, let our team at Action Rental & Sales help get you the right tool for the job.
Forklift Rental Chattanooga Frequently Asked Questions
What types of forklifts are available? We offer many different types of counterbalance forklifts, electric and gas forklifts, side loaders, and more!
What type of forklift rental is right for me? It depends on your needs. We offer numerous different types of forklifts, but it boils down to what you are lifting, how much weight you need to lift, how far you need to travel with it, and where the forklift will be located. There are many different factors that come into play when renting a forklift. Contact us today to learn which forklift is best for you!
How much do forklifts cost? If you are looking to purchase a brand-new forklift with a standard capacity, it can cost anywhere from $15,000 - $50,000 depending on the type and class. That typically does not include the price of a battery and a charger if it's electric.
How safe are forklifts to operate? It is essential for forklift operators to be properly trained. Most businesses and dealers require their employees and customers to become forklift-certified prior to operating heavy machinery. There are countless common hazards associated with forklifts, and it is extremely important to know them all before operating.
When should I replace my forklift? The best time to replace your forklift is when it is no longer economical for you. If the forklift has served its purpose but is now costing you money, it's time to replace it.
Do forklifts come with attachments? Most forklifts do not come with extra attachments outside of the original forks. However, when purchasing your first attachment, its important to know that this will increase the capacity rating of the forklift.