Forklift Selection for Construction Sites, Sand‑Gravel Yards and Timber Mills

Work environments such as construction sites, sand‑gravel yards and timber mills are typically characterized by heavy dust, poor road conditions, frequent heavy‑load operations and high risks of collisions. Therefore, priority shall be given to internal combustion forklifts or long‑endurance lithium‑ion forklifts, with key considerations for high trafficability, durability and heavy‑load capacity. Below are targeted recommendations and purchasing tips for each scenario.

For construction sites, 3.5‑ton to 5‑ton internal combustion forklifts are recommended, including internal combustion models from Hangcha, Heli, Lonking and BYD. Featuring powerful output and excellent gradeability, they are suitable for dirt roads, muddy ground and gravel‑covered terrain. Heavy‑duty forklifts of 5 tons and above are applicable for lifting large building materials or precast components. BYD 4‑ton to 5‑ton lithium‑ion forklifts are ideal for indoor construction sites and municipal engineering with zero exhaust emissions and low noise. Mandatory configurations include solid tires or off‑road tires, together with widened forks, protective meshes, crash guards and cab windshields.

For sand‑gravel yards, 5‑ton to 7‑ton internal combustion forklifts (e.g., Hangcha, Heli, Lonking and LiuGong) serve as standard equipment. Their rugged engines support continuous high‑intensity operations. Four‑wheel‑drive off‑road forklifts with strong traction are preferred for muddy and potholed stockyards. Required configurations consist of dust‑proof air filters, reinforced anti‑collision components, heavy‑duty rear axles, large tires and increased ground clearance, as well as extended forks for easier loading and unloading.

For timber mills, 3.5‑ton to 5‑ton internal combustion or lithium‑ion forklifts from Heli, Hangcha and BYD are recommended, equipped with attachments such as bale clamps, log grapples and side shifters. Heavy‑duty 6‑ton to 8‑ton forklifts are used for handling large logs. Configurations shall adopt extended and thickened forks, anti‑slip and wear‑resistant tires, plus rust‑proof and moisture‑resistant body structures.