Autumn peak ahead: does your forklift fleet have enough capacity?
The end-of-year peak doesn't start in November. Pressure on the entire supply chain starts rising as early as September. By the time Black Friday, St. Nicholas, and the Christmas period stack up, your warehouse needs to be running at full capacity.
Yet every year we see the same thing: companies discovering only in October that they are short a forklift, that a machine breaks down right now, or that their fleet isn't equipped for two or three shifts a day.
The good news? You can prevent that. In this article, we give you five concrete checks to get your forklift fleet ready for the busiest period of the year.
Check 1: Is your fleet complete?
The most obvious question, yet the most underestimated. How many machines do you actually need when your volumes double?
Ask yourself these questions:
How many forklifts did I operate during last year's peak period?
Were there machines that broke down or were undergoing maintenance?
Have I expanded or downsized since then?
A forklift that breaks down in October costs you more than just the repair. It costs you downtime, delays, and missed deliveries. Exactly when it matters most.
At Hangcha, we keep machines in stock so you can deploy a new or additional machine within a few days. No wait times for production, no shipping from abroad.
👉 View Hangcha's available offering
Check 2: Can you run multiple shifts?
During peak period, it's all about throughput time. Many companies switch to two or three shifts per day. But can your fleet handle that?
With a traditional lead-acid battery, that's tough. Charging time is 8 to 12 hours, plus a cooling-off period. In practice, you need two batteries per forklift, with the associated swap time and dedicated charging room.
A lithium-ion forklift solves that problem. The battery charges in 1 to 2 hours and can be opportunity charged during breaks. One battery is enough for multiple shifts a day. No swaps, no wait time, no downtime.
👉 Discover Hangcha's lithium-ion range
👉 Read more about the differences: Lithium-ion or lead-acid: which battery suits your business?
Check 3: Do you have enough warehouse equipment?
Forklifts often get all the attention. But the bottleneck during peak period sits just as much with your pallet jacks, stackers, and order pickers. If your pick volume doubles, those machines have to keep up.
Think about:
Sufficient electric pallet jacks to keep up with supply
Stackers that work quickly and reliably at height
Order pickers that speed up your picking process
Hangcha offers a complete range of warehouse equipment, from compact pallet jacks to high-lifting stackers. All available with lithium-ion technology for continuous use.
👉 View Hangcha's warehouse truck range
Check 4: Can you automate repetitive routes?
Every pallet that always follows the same route, from production to racking, from racking to loading dock, is a candidate for automation. An AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle) takes over that work. 24 hours a day, without breaks, without errors.
For companies that struggle year after year with staff shortages during the peak, an AGV is not a luxury but a structural solution. And you don't need to automate your entire warehouse right away. Start with one route and expand according to return on investment.
👉 Discover Hangcha's AGV solutions
Check 5: Is your fleet in order before the storm?
The worst timing for a breakdown? In the middle of the peak. Have your machines checked now, during the quieter months, so you start October with a healthy fleet.
Check at least:
Battery condition and charging capacity
Tires and braking systems
Hydraulics and lifting mechanism
Software and safety systems
Authorized Hangcha dealers in Belgium have experienced technicians and a large stock of spare parts. Schedule your maintenance in September, and you won't have surprises in November.
👉 Find a Hangcha dealer in your area
Frequently asked questions
Can I temporarily rent a forklift for the peak period?
Yes. Through Hangcha dealers in Belgium, you can rent machines for short or longer periods. Ideal if you aren't sure whether the peak volume is structural.
How fast can a stock forklift be delivered?
Machines in stock are usually deliverable within a few days. No waiting for production or shipping.
Does it make sense to order in September already for the end-of-year peak?
Absolutely. The earlier you order, the larger the selection of available models and the more time there is to break in the machine before the rush begins.
What if I no longer need the machine after the peak?
Discuss this with your dealer. Flexible options exist that cater to seasonal use.
đź‘‹ Ready for the peak?
Don't wait until October. Check your fleet now, plan your maintenance, and decide if you need extra capacity. Hangcha dealers in Belgium are happy to advise.
👉 View the full Hangcha range
👉 Contact a dealer near you
👉 Or directly request a tailored quote
About Hangcha
With over 60 years of experience and a presence in 180 countries, Hangcha is one of the world's largest forklift manufacturers. Our machines are known for their reliability, innovation, and excellent value for money. In Belgium, distribution is handled by Joris Van Dijck, official importer and servicepartner.