With so much to choose from what makes Doosan 3-wheel forklifts right for your business?
The building and construction industry relies on high-quality machinery to thrive, sometimes, however, it can be difficult to determine the type of machinery that your business will actually benefit from. Getting the wrong type of forklift or other pieces of machinery can be more of a hindrance, particularly if you are responsible for the up-keep of them. There are a number of different types of forklifts on the market, some more suitable for certain environments than others. Here is some information about 3-wheel forklifts to help you decide if they are the right fit for your business.
Benefits of Doosan 3-wheel forklifts
Forklifts with three wheels are an excellent choice for any business that requires a smaller vehicle for indoor use. This means a three-wheel forklift is suitable for warehouse environments, but can also be used to transport goods between a warehouse and an outdoor yard. Due to most 3 wheeled forklifts being electric, any company that is looking to be more eco-friendly and is wishing to burn fewer fossil fuels should seriously consider an electric three-wheeled forklift. Electric vehicles also cost considerably less to run and service. As most 3-wheeled forklifts rely on batteries to operate, maintenance is fairly simple, and the day-to-day running costs are less than those which rely on fossil fuels.
A three-wheeled forklift is ideal for transporting goods around a warehouse due to its small turning circle. This means that they are able to operate in even the tightest of spaces, making them much more versatile in this environment than larger trucks. Furthermore, if you’re looking to cut down on the overall costs of machinery, then a three-wheeled forklift is likely to be the best option for you. Not only is a three-wheeled unit much cheaper to run and maintain, but it is also much more affordable than a four-wheeled option to purchase. A three-wheeled forklift features wheels that are designed to work well indoors, although you will be able to use them for occasional outdoor use too.
Three-wheeled truck batteries charge quickly, meaning you’ll be able to use them during busy periods. As a three-wheeler is more compact than a four-wheeler, storing them is usually very simple. Some businesses can store several three-wheel forklifts in their warehouse without taking up too much space. Depending on the size of your business a fleet of forklifts is likely to cost you a lot less in many ways if you choose three-wheeled vehicles. For example, it is important to consider the hidden costs that are associated with bigger vehicles, particularly those that rely on non-electric engines. Three-wheel forklifts mean fewer components to maintain, which means less in terms of maintenance and servicing costs. Furthermore, a three-wheeled electric forklift comes with fewer safety issues than a bigger fossil fuel-powered unit.
When it comes to noise pollution, many companies look to reduce this as much as possible. Choosing a three-wheeled electric truck will ensure that you reduce noise as much as possible, along with the emissions that are often produced by larger, fuel-burning vehicles.
Uses and industries that can benefit from a 3-wheel forklift
Although Doosan 3-wheel forklifts are an ideal solution for many different businesses, some uses and industries may benefit more from heavy-duty machinery. A three-wheeled unit will excel in retail, manufacturing or warehousing, but may not be suitable for an industry that mainly operates outdoors. For example, a three-wheeled electric unit is not best placed in the agricultural industry, where heavy-duty machinery that can be easily cleaned is more appropriate. A three-wheel truck is an excellent choice for businesses that require a simple solution to move stock between shelves or other areas of a warehouse or store. The small turning circle that is often the biggest benefit of a three-wheeler means that the operator can easily move between narrow isles.
As a forklift with three wheels is often designed to work best in an indoor environment, outdoor areas that have high levels of gravel usually aren’t the best place for this type of truck to operate. This means that they are not ideal for stores that stock a large number of outdoor goods, although they are suitable for moving outdoor goods around in an indoor environment. For example, the DIY supply industry is one that can benefit from a unit like this, as outdoor goods such as gravel, stones, sand and other items can be transported well from racking to a yard. The food and drink industry often relies on this type of machine to move consumables between warehouses and vehicles ready for distribution.
A three-wheeled forklift often works better in an environment that doesn’t require a vehicle with a huge weight capacity. This makes it ideal for most warehouse or distribution environments and retail stores, but not great for any industry that requires a vehicle that can move heavier items like large building supplies.
Environments that are suitable for 3-wheel forklifts
As mentioned, the three-wheeled forklift thrives in tight spaces, making it perfect for warehouses. Any indoor environment that requires a vehicle to move lighter loads between high racking can benefit from a three-wheeler, regardless of the contents of the stock that it is moving. This type of truck moves effortlessly over an indoor surface, which means it can move easily on smooth concrete or other hard floors. Any area that requires a forklift to be stored outdoors is not the best place for an electric three-wheeler.
The Doosan 3-wheel forklifts range
If you’ve decided that a three-wheeled forklift is a suitable solution for your business, you may be wondering what vehicles are available to suit your needs. Doosan’s 3-wheel forklift range is great for any warehouse environment that requires a truck with a small turning circle. The range, which has a 3-year extended warranty, comes with a number of special features which make the forklifts superior to others on the market.
Special features
The range features trucks that are designed to be highly visible, which is particularly important from a health and safety viewpoint. In addition to this, they also feature large panoramic mirrors, which means that the operator can see all areas of the warehouse and any hazards that are around them at all times, ensuring safe operation. Furthermore, in terms of safety, the units benefit from LED lights, which are not only great in terms of visibility, but they also last longer than standard bulbs. The units also feature a safety light and rear grab handle, among other safety features such as an emergency switch and a unique stability system which means that the unit will always remain stable, even in the most challenging environments.
Battery
The battery system in the Doosan range is designed to make operation and maintenance effortless. The batteries that are available for these units also come in a number of different options to suit your needs, including providing power up to 775 Ah, so you can always be sure that you will have access to the power that you need. The trucks also come with a low battery alarm feature, meaning you’ll know in plenty of time when charging is required. The alarms automatically disable lifting when power levels get too low, which means the machine will not accidentally fail when lifting due to a low battery level.
Turtle mode
The trucks in the Doosan range are able to operate in “turtle mode”, this means that the operator can press a button and activate a mode where the truck will move very slowly at a predetermined speed that is safer for manoeuvring in tight spaces. In this mode, the lifting speed will not be affected and only the truck’s back and forth speed will be slowed down.
Auto-speed
A great feature that sets this range apart from the rest is auto-speed. This feature means that if the forklift detects that the driver is approaching a corner too quick, it will automatically apply the brakes. This helps to combat any accidents that may be caused as a result of accidentally approaching turning areas with too much speed. Even the most experienced forklift operators can do this from time to time, so this feature helps operators to stay safe at all times.
The OSS
The OSS, or Operator Sensing System, is a system that is unique to the Doosan range of 3-wheel trucks. Along with the additional safety features listed above, the OSS will detect if an operator leaves the seat at any point and will disable certain features of operation until they return. This means that the vehicle controls cannot be accidentally knocked by a passerby, which may cause an accident.
Braking features
The braking system contains oil-cooled disc brakes that last longer than standard brake discs. The main components of the brake are sealed to keep dirt and debris away and are coated in oil when they leave the factory. The oil coating allows them to cool more efficiently and last up to five times longer than others on the market. In addition to this, the unique system requires very little maintenance.
We’re a family run business with over 45 years experience in the forklift industry. At West Mercia we know Doosan forklifts and are here to help you get the right one for your business. Contact us now to find out more about how we can help you.
