Why Is a Forklift Essential For Any Contracting Company?

Contracting companies must deal with heavy equipment and supplies more than any other industry. Therefore, a forklift is essential for any contracting company to manage large, bulky materials and shipments.

Difficult load shapes and hazardous environments create unique situations for workers in the construction trades. People can get hurt, and high-value materials can be damaged trying to move supplies without a forklift. However, with a forklift, moving materials is manageable.

Challenges of Operating a Contracting Company

Operating a contracting company can be challenging under the best of circumstances. Dealing with tight schedules, labor shortages, and high insurance costs can run up costs and affect your profit margin.  

When you have the right equipment for the job, you’re more likely to stay on track with your schedule. For example, a forklift can do the work of several people, making it easier to staff the rest of your jobs. 

Using the right equipment as part of your safety program helps reduce insurance costs by reducing claims. It’s also safer to unload heavy materials using a forklift. Keeping your employees safe also lowers your costs by avoiding lost days due to injuries.

Loading and Unloading Materials

Dealing with large shipments is next to impossible without a forklift. For example, if you own a masonry company and have a truckload of bricks delivered to your shop, you need a forklift to unload those materials.

You won’t be able to receive some shipments without a forklift. In addition, you don’t always get to choose if your supplies are shipped to you palletized or not. 

Various attachments, like forklift extensions, can make it even easier to handle complicated load configurations. Purchasing high-quality forklift extensions will ensure that your equipment is durable enough for even the heaviest jobs. 

Purchase extensions with high-strength steel components and a locking pin for safe use. Using the correct type of fork extensions will help you get the job done faster and safer, and it will be easier on your forklift in the long run.

Attachments That Do Your Job Easier

Another attachment that makes life easier for construction contractors is the forklift trailer mover. Contractors have a lot of different types of equipment with a trailer hitch, and moving them around in tight spaces can be challenging and time-consuming when you have to use your truck.

With the forklift trailer mover attachment, you don’t have to get off the forklift. Instead, you simply grab the attachment with your forks and place the attachment’s hitch on the trailer you are moving. It also works for multiple trailer styles, including bumper hitches, 5th-wheel hitches, and gooseneck hitches.

The Right Forklift for the Job

There are several types of forklifts, and you need the right one for your job. It’s even possible that you need more than one type of forklift for your company.

• Pallet Jacks

Also called pump trucks, pallet jacks are small forklifts used to move small loads in tight spaces.

• Warehouse Forklifts

This type of forklift is the most common in warehouses because they are small and easy to maneuver.

• Loaders

Loaders are the best type of forklift when you need to load and unload heavy materials on pallets. They are designed to carry heavy loads.

• High Capacity Forklifts

You may need a high-capacity forklift if you work with extra heavy materials, like concrete.

• Rough Terrain Forklifts

You will typically see rough terrain forklifts on construction sites because they are made to move around on the uneven ground. 

• Telehandler Forklifts

When you need to reach high with heavy loads, use a telehandler forklift with its telescopic capabilities.

Hazardous Materials and Environments

 It is much safer to handle hazardous materials when you use a forklift. Contractors who work with dangerous materials or in hazardous environments where fire or explosions can occur must use a forklift with an explosion-proof rating.

These forklifts are designed to safeguard against explosions by enclosing any components that can create a spark, such as motors or contractors. Operators and technicians also need special training to work with these forklifts.

Forklift Training and Safety

OSHA has strict requirements regarding forklift training. You can develop your training program if you meet all the requirements, including refresher courses and supervision.

Forklift safety encompasses more than just the operation of forklifts. Facility design and forklift maintenance are also important. You must also use the right forklift for the job and select only the best attachments.

Forklifts Are Essential Pieces of Equipment

When selected and used correctly, forklifts make workplaces safer and more efficient. In addition, your forklift becomes a versatile piece of equipment that can handle almost any project you throw at it when you use special attachments and extensions.

Be sure to follow safety guidelines by training and supervising your forklift operators. When used to implement a comprehensive safety program, forklifts become essential workplace safety tools for many contractors.

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