Skip to content
November 8, 2018

Sit-Down vs. Stand-Up Forklifts – Which is Right for You?

Making the decision to rent or buy a forklift is a huge investment. When it comes to choosing a sit-down vs. a stand-up forklift, how do you know which one is right for you? The answer depends on your preferences as well as the circumstances in which you will be using your forklift. You will need to ask yourself a few questions.

WHAT TYPE OF ENVIRONMENT WILL YOU BE USING YOUR FORKLIFT IN?

The first consideration to make is of the environment you will be operating your forklift in. Will it be outdoors or indoors? What will the terrain be like? What will the temperature be like? For example, if you are working on rough terrain, it may be the safest option to go with a sit-down forklift to ensure balance and stability of the operator.

WILL YOU NEED TO MANEUVER YOUR FORKLIFT THROUGH NARROW AISLES OR AROUND SHARP CORNERS?

This goes back to the first question regarding the type of environment you will be operating your forklift in. To ensure efficiency, you will want to get the best designed for you warehouse or work environment such as a counterbalance Forklift. A counterbalance forklift is a popular lift that features forks in the front and a weight in the back of the vehicle to counterbalance the weight of the load. The 3-wheel variant is ideal for situation requiring the operator to urn and maneuver in circles.

HOW OFTEN WILL YOU BE HOPPING ON AND OFF OF YOUR FORKLIFT?

If the jobs you work require frequent hopping on and off of the forklift, consider going with a stand-up forklift. This makes trips where you’re hopping on and off of the forklift much easier and efficient.

HOW LONG WILL YOU BE USING YOUR FORKLIFT?

If you plan to operate your forklift over long stretches of time, you may want to consider a sit-down forklift. Not only will this make the job easier for the fork lift driver, but it also takes all the strain off of the driver joints. A good example would be a warehouse Forklift. A warehouse forklift is the most recognizable type of lift truck and is great for loading and unloading pallets and balanced materials.

WHAT TYPES OF MATERIALS WILL YOU BE MOVING/TRANSPORTING WITH YOUR FORKLIFT?

Are you transporting boxes in a warehouse? What you are working with and the purpose of your forklift can have an effect on your decision. For example, a side loader forklift is popular for navigating narrow aisles and handling long loads like timber and pipes. Meanwhile an industrial Forklift does have much reach, but they can lift up to 30,000 lbs.

WILL YOUR BUSINESS’S PRODUCTIVITY BE INCREASED MORE BY A STAND-UP OR SIT-DOWN FORKLIFT?

After you have considered your work environment, your working periods, the materials you will be working with, you can use this information to help you decide which type of forklift will make for the most productivity and efficiency within your business.

Choosing a forklift doesn’t have to be a close call. Ace Equipment can help. At Ace Equipment Forklift Rental, we know our stuff when it comes to forklift equipment in Texas. If you have questions about which forklift may be right for you and your business, we would be happy to help you decide. Contact us today to learn more about our forklift rentals, sales, equipment, and what we can do for you as a trusted and expert forklift company in Irving.

We at Ace Equipment offer a wide range of aerial lift rentals in Irving, TX, that suit your needs.

Speak to one of our professionals for the best advice on all your immediate aerial lift needs. Ask about our long-term and short-term aerial lift rental options! For more information about our aerial lift rentals or to get a forklift rental quote:
Call 972-457-0101 or contact us online today!