There are several steps involved in purchasing a new or used forklift truck. Think about the following items before deciding.
Step 1: What exactly are your needs?
Knowing both the types and weight of your loads must be taken into account. Consider the maximum lifting height that you will need. Find out whether you will be using the forklift indoors or outdoors, or both. Measure the width of your narrowest aisles and estimate how much maneuvering space there is. What would be the duration of use per day in terms of hours?
Step 2: Is a used forklift your best alternative?
If you would be utilizing the forklift four hours a day or less, you could likely get away with buying used.
Step 3: Fuel options
As electric forklifts are fairly quiet and make no exhaust emissions, they are recommended for indoor applications. They have large batteries which should last eight hours before needing to be recharged. The cost of buying electric forklifts is higher, but the costs of operation are lower. On the plus side, they do not require space for fuel storage. They also tend to last longer since they have fewer moving parts. However, the time it takes to recharge the battery should be factored in. This can as long as 16 hours, including recharging and cooling. And battery recharging stations may be required.
Step 4: Tire choice
Cushion tires are used in forklifts. There are a few choices when it comes to tires. Some are made of solid rubber, a few are inflated, and several combine qualities of both - solid pneumatic tires. For indoor use, cushion tires are recommended. For outdoor use, pneumatic tires are better. Solid pneumatic tires are less likely to be punctured by sharp objects or rough terrain so they are the best alternative for risky conditions.
Step 5: Consider additional alternatives
When purchasing a new or used lift truck truck, consider additional alternatives. Look at the different attachments that you may need to customize your forklift. Check out the safety features and ergonomics of the lift truck
Step 6: Evaluate your options
To be able to know what type of forklift truly suits your needs, renting different brands and models is a great idea. A good dealer would agree to help you with this. This would ensure that the kind of forklift you ultimately buy is the correct one for all your needs. Be sure to consult with your dealer.