As someone who works in the logistics and warehousing sector, you don’t need someone else to tell you how fast your industry is growing in the Middle East and how important it is for you to be completely updated on all fronts to keep up with these developments.
This is where we would like to introduce you to the articulated forklift truck in the UAE and how this technology is going to help you maximize your existing space and speed up your operations. Yes, you heard it right. Articulated forklifts are designed to help you use every inch of your storage space and upgrade your material handling setup most efficiently.
This article explains what articulated forklifts are, why they work in UAE’s industrial environment, and how we, at Kanoo Machinery, can help you upgrade your fleet with the right options that fit your business needs like no other.
What is an articulated forklift truck?
You are already using traditional forklifts and very well know about their limitations, especially when it comes to space. Traditional, standard forklifts need a whole lot of room to run. They require your warehouse aisles to be wide, consequently wasting a lot of floor space, which otherwise could have been used for storage. Hence, using them for your daily operations, especially if you are trying to expand your operations with the current storage space, would not be a clever move. So, what is the solution?
The answer is articulated forklift trucks. An articulated forklift in the UAE is built differently from the ones you are familiar with. These trucks have a joint, also known as an articulation, in the middle or at the mast that allows the front of the truck to turn independently of the body. Sounds brilliant, doesn’t it?
Since these trucks bend, they can drive down narrow paths, such as a not-so-wide aisle, without any difficulty. They can also turn their forks to pick up a pallet from the sides without turning the whole vehicle around, that too in tight spaces. Essentially, this is a design that combines the best qualities of a narrow aisle forklift and a standard counterbalance machine into a single unit. It can work in aisles as narrow as 2.1 to 2.5 metres, while also moving between aisles and open floor areas with ease. This simple design change allows you to fit many more racks into the same warehouse. What more do you need, right?
Key specifications of an articulated forklift truck
- Lift capacity: 1.5 to 3.0 tonnes (this is the most common warehouse range)
- Lift height: 12 to 15 metres (meant for high-bay tracking)
- Aisle width required: can go as low as 2.1 metres
- Power options: electric (AC or Li-Ion) for indoor air quality, and LPG or diesel for heavy outdoor work
- Tires: Choose trucks with non-marking or specialized tires if you work in food or pharma warehouses
Why should you use an articulated forklift truck in UAE?
Being an active participant in the Saudi market, regardless of whether you are a beginner or someone who has been running logistics and warehousing operations for years, you know that the competition is high at the moment, and efficiency is the only way to stay ahead. This competition and growth are driven by e-commerce businesses, FMCG expansion, pharmaceutical logistics, port activity, and so on. No matter the driving factor, this growth only means one thing: an increase in logistics activity and hence, busier warehouses.
Although this calls for an expansion of more warehouse space, the fact that purchasing a new space in UAE, especially in industrial zones near major cities, is crazy expensive is no news to anyone. So, instead of building bigger, the wise decision would be to use the space you already have, but with increased efficiency.
With an articulated forklift truck, you will gain,
- More storage space in the same footprint. This is much cheaper than renting or building a new warehouse
- Faster pallet movement with operators moving through aisles without constant repositioning of the truck
- The right models can handle both indoor and outdoor environments (depending on whether your business demands it)
- An articulated airlift truck provides better visibility for operators by giving a clear line of sight to the load at all times, which in turn reduces accidents
- Articulated forklifts, with ergonomic cabs, can reduce driver fatigue, which is especially important in Saudi Arabia’s extreme climate, where operators often have to deal with heat stress
- An articulated forklift is practically a “one truck for all”. It unloads trucks outside like a counterbalance forklift and puts pallets away inside, as a reach truck does. Their large, durable tires and high ground clearance let them work on uneven grounds of a loading bay and then drive straight into the narrowest aisles of the warehouse
Standard counterbalance vs. reach truck vs. articulated forklift: A comparison
| Feature | Standard counterbalance | Reach truck | Articulated forklift truck |
| Aisle width required | 3.5 to 4.5 metres | 2.5 to 3 metres | 2.1 to 2.5 metres |
| Indoor+outdoor use | Yes | Indoor only | Yes |
| Max lift height | Up to 7 metres | Up to 13 metres | Up to 12.4 metres |
| Narrow aisle capacity | No | Limited | Yes |
| Best for | Open floor areas/ loading bay | High-bay indoor racking | Mixed warehouses (both indoor and outdoor) |
A quick checklist before you make the purchase
- What are your current aisle widths, and would they accommodate an articulated forklift truck?
- What is the maximum height you need to stack pallets?
- On average, what load weight are you regularly handling?
- Is the forklift meant for indoor use, outdoor use, or both?
- What is your average shift length and usage intensity?
- What is your preference when it comes to the power options: electric, LPG, or diesel?
- Do you have a charging infrastructure if you buy an electric model?
- What is your budget for purchase vs. rental?
- Do you have an on-site maintenance capability, or if not, need a service contract?
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long does it take to get an articulated forklift truck delivered in UAE?
That depends on who you are purchasing from. Kanoo Machinery stocks fast-moving equipment locally in UAE, and if needed, can source other models fast through our international supplier network.
2. What certifications are needed to operate an articulated forklift in UAE?
There are certain requirements for you to operate an articulated forklift truck in UAE. Most importantly, the operators need to be trained and certified. We can advise on operator training options as part of our support services.
3. Is there a minimum fleet size requirement?
Not necessarily. Kanoo Machinery works with businesses of various sizes, from single-unit buyers to large fleet operators.
4. Can an articulated forklift truck work in UAE’s heat?
Yes, it can. However, it is important for you to choose models designed for hot climates. We are happy to help you pick models with cooling systems, heat-resistant components, and battery technology suitable for the Saudi climate.