What types of forklifts are best for handling building materials? Which lift trucks and attachments can handle heavy or oversized loads? And how do electric and ICE forklifts compare for indoor/outdoor operations? Read on to learn about four types of lift truck and how they can be used to move loads productively in operations that are manufacturing or handling construction materials.
From precast concrete and ceramic pipes to palletised plasterboard and finished wood joists, the diversity of building materials demands a range of forklift solutions that can take on not just the load, but the specific environment and the operation’s requirements. Selecting the right materials handling solution can be critical in maintaining productivity levels, avoiding damage, and keeping end customers happy.
Here the experts from Hyster explain some of the key types of lift trucks, and what they can be used for on building materials manufacturing sites, in rugged outdoor yards, or other storage and distribution operations in construction.
1. Heavy-duty forklifts
Large scale infrastructure projects can require super-sized construction materials. Heavy-duty forklifts are a necessity for sites handling oversized materials. Hyster® industrial forklifts range from 8 to 48 tonnes capacity, and offer the stability, durability, strength, and manoeuvrability needed for big lifts and awkward shapes.
High-capacity industrial forklifts are well suited to operation in the outdoor yards of manufacturing sites or infrastructure materials distribution centres, and are ideal for handling:
- Precast concrete
- Ceramic pipes
- Structural steel
- Oversized and irregular loads
These lift trucks are designed to deliver dependability and resilience when working outside, without impacting the operator experience. Comfortable cabins come as standard, supporting operators across long shifts in challenging environments and potential harsh weather conditions.
Hyster industrial forklifts used in the construction materials industry may also be specified to include forklift attachments to support the accurate handling of non-standard loads.
What types of attachments can be used with a forklift for handling building materials?
A wide range of options are available depending on the lift truck, the load, and the application. For example, fork positioners and side shifters are helpful for handling irregular sized loads and for precise positioning. Rotator attachments may be useful for dumping bulk materials like sand and gravel, or emptying site waste bins. Where items like pipes or bricks and blocks need to be handled, forklift clamps may help to accurately and securely grip, and lift bundled or stacked materials that are not on pallets.
2. High-capacity lithium-ion lift trucks
Diesel-powered internal combustion engine (ICE) forklifts have been the go-to choice for handling heavy building materials. However, electric power is now a viable option for some applications. Do you know how much an electric forklift can lift? In the case of the Hyster J10-18XD electric forklift with lithium-ion batteries, it can provide ICE-like performance with capacity up to 18-tonnes. This makes it a solid solution for businesses in the building materials and construction industry and a robust alternative to traditional fuel sources.
And for businesses who are looking at how to reduce emissions in a forklift fleet, there are further advantages. The forklift has zero tailpipe emissions in operation, a great option for those that are seeking to reduce their carbon footprint and meet sustainability mandates without compromising performance.
Designed with advanced ergonomics, great visibility, and familiar operator controls, these Hyster lithium-ion big trucks can help ease the transition to electric fleets while optimising the operator experience.
Businesses with mixed indoor/outdoor handling may be thinking, “but can you use an electric forklift outside?.” This Hyster electric lift truck is designed for toughness, and is especially well suited for manufacturing and production facilities handling heavy materials both inside and outside, including:
- Cement bags
- Bricks and blocks
- Roofing timbers
The lithium-ion batteries make opportunity charging during breaks possible, driving uptime and removing the need for battery exchange and long charge cycles. The batteries also require zero maintenance, helping reduce disruption.
3. Counterbalance forklifts
Counterbalance lift trucks up to 8-tonnes capacity are a popular machine type for handling building materials. These may be ICE-powered forklifts, usually fuelled by diesel or LPG, or electric forklifts, most often powered by lead acid or lithium-ion batteries.
The Hyster A Series forklift range includes both ICE and electric options, each with customisable configurations to suit a wide range of material types. Each forklift can be specified with the exact mix of features required, helping to avoid overspending on unnecessary extras, while also matching the equipment to the specific operating requirements.
Hyster counterbalance lift trucks are ideally suited to frequent load handling in high throughout environments. These may include distribution centres for residential and commercial construction projects or retail like builders merchants. These lift trucks are an ideal fit for operations handling:
- Mixed or varied materials
- Palletised goods
- Finished wood and trusses
- Plasterboard sheets
- Slates, shingle, bricks, and blocks
What is the difference between ICE and electric counterbalance forklifts?
The electric Hyster A Series may be a good choice for those operations with indoor production environments and inventory handling, or where a mixture of indoor and outdoor tasks are taking place. These forklifts produce zero exhaust emissions and offer quiet, efficient operations inside.
The Hyster A Series with LPG or diesel fuel may be a particularly effective match for outdoor yards, or high frequency loading and unloading operations. They are built to provide power and durability under frequent use.
Options such as ergonomic customisations, Hyster Tracker telematics, and Operator Assist Systems (OAS) are available to meet the demands of the particular application, regardless of which power source is the best match.
4. Pallet trucks
Pallet trucks may be the smallest of the selection, but that does not mean they sacrifice on toughness. How much can a pallet truck handle? With capacities up to 3 tonnes, Hyster pallet trucks are helpful for moving finished goods with the agility and productivity needed in indoor storage environments, building materials distribution centres, and during deliveries.
They offer compact size for manoeuvrability when used in tight spaces and are best suited to handling:
- Palletised loads and materials
- Light commercial and residential building products
- Products stored in traditional warehouse environments
There are different types of pallet trucks available, including powered pedestrian pallet trucks, rider pallet truck models, and pallet trucks with a platform. This means the right truck can be selected for the ergonomic needs of the operator, as well as for tough operational needs.
Matching forklifts to your building materials facility
Armed with the above information, the question remains: How do I choose the right forklift for my building materials operation? To help find a suitable option, start by considering the following factors.
- Material type and weight - Are you handling palletised loads? Bundles of product? Or large individual loads?
- Environment - Will the forklift operate indoors, outdoors, or both? Is weather an issue? Is there dirt, dust, or other debris?
- Frequency of use - Is the handling requirement intermittent? Or is it a high-throughput operation? How many shifts does the forklift need to work across?
- Sustainability goals - Do you need to reduce emissions? Are you considering a transition to electric equipment?
- Load irregularity - Do you require specialised attachments? Or enhanced stability?
Ready to find the right lift truck for your building and construction materials operation?
Hyster lift trucks are engineered for performance, durability, and operator comfort. With solutions ranging from nimble electric pallet trucks, through to rugged ICE industrial forklifts, Hyster can support the full spectrum of building materials handling, from manufacturing to distribution to job site delivery.
Explore our full range of solutions or speak with a local Hyster dealer.
