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Jofson is one of the largest independent suppliers of forklift trucks and materials handling equipment in Birmingham and Manchester. We have been around since 1977 and offer new and used forklifts to companies so that they can hire and buy.

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Choosing the Right Forklifts for Retail Purposes

Selecting the right forklifts for your retail warehouse can be complex, even for experienced material-handling professionals. With various truck types and configurations available, it is crucial to choose equipment that enhances efficiency, improves safety, and seamlessly integrates into your operations.

That’s why we’ve highlighted a selection of forklifts from our range that are ideally suited for retail environments. These forklifts cover every stage of the handling process – from unloading deliveries to order picking.

Forklifts for Unloading and Loading Operations

When supplier deliveries arrive, your operators must move quickly to unload and transport goods efficiently. These forklifts are ideal for the following tasks:

Hand Pallet Trucks

A staple in every warehouse, hand pallet trucks allow for quick and easy movement of goods. With strategically placed hand trucks, operators can relocate boxes, case goods, and appliances with minimal manual effort, reducing strain and improving productivity.

Powered Pallet Trucks

Powered pallet trucks help operators quickly cover longer distances to streamline movement within the warehouse. These trucks can also quickly enter and exit delivery lorries, making them an essential tool for fast-paced operations.

Tip: If your warehouse spans a large area, consider electric pallet trucks with a platform to increase efficiency and reduce operator fatigue.

Powered Pallet Stackers

Powered pallet stackers offer a time-saving solution for warehouses that require stacking during loading and unloading. They combine transportation and stacking capabilities in one machine.

Tip: To determine the lift height you need, measure your highest shelf and add an extra 15–20 cm for safety.

Forklifts for Stacking and Storage in Retail

After unloading, goods should be quickly transported to designated storage areas. The right stacking forklifts ensure efficient organisation and space optimisation:

Reach Trucks

Reach trucks are ideal for stacking in racking systems and enable smooth and precise pallet placement. Depending on your warehouse setup, you can choose from different reach truck configurations:

  • Compact Reach Trucks: Designed for narrow aisles and block stacking, these trucks are perfect for maximising storage space in confined warehouses.
  • Reach Trucks with Tilting Cabins: If ergonomics is a priority, trucks with tilting cabins reduce operator strain when lifting pallets to high shelves.
  • Outdoor Reach Trucks: Equipped with special tyres, these trucks provide reliable performance for outdoor stacking operations.

Forklifts for Retail Order Picking

Once goods are stored, efficient order picking is essential to ensure timely deliveries. Our range of order-picking forklifts is designed to improve accuracy and productivity:

Order Pickers

Order pickers such as the BT Optio L-series offer flexible E-man steering for enhanced manoeuvrability for first- and second-level picking. Additional configurations include:

  • Order Pickers with Elevating Platforms: Designed for high-intensity picking, operators can easily access items on higher shelves with Order Pickers.
  • Order Pickers with Walk-Through Platforms: Featuring a walk-through design, these trucks enable operators to place items directly onto pallets on the forks.
  • Semi-Automated Order Pickers: For maximum efficiency, semi-automated models allow operators to remotely control the car, reducing walking time and increasing productivity.

Enhancing Retail Logistics with the Right Equipment

After order picking, goods are transported to the marshalling area for packing and shipping, ensuring timely deliveries to retail stores. By selecting the right combination of forklifts, you can create a seamless material handling workflow that improves efficiency, reduces manual labour, and enhances workplace safety.

At Jofson, we provide tailored forklift solutions for retail designed to meet the unique challenges of retail logistics. Contact us today to learn more about our range of material handling equipment and how we can help optimise your warehouse operations.