Prior to buying a new or used forklift, there are some things that you must take into account. Consider the following items before making a choice.
Step 1: What exactly are your requirements?
Think about the types of loads you would be carrying and how heavy they normally are. Consider the maximum lifting height which you would require. Find out whether you would be utilizing the forklift outdoors or indoors, 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 option?
If you will be utilizing the forklift four hours a day or less, you could possibly get away with purchasing used.
Step 3: Fuel options
Electric forklifts are suitable for using indoors because they are quite quiet and produce no exhaust emissions. They have large batteries which should last eight hours before needing to be recharged. The purchase cost of electric forklifts is higher, but the costs of operation are lower. On the plus side, they do not need fuel storage area. They also tend to last longer as they have less moving components. On the other hand, the time it takes to recharge the battery has to be factored in. This could take up to 16 hours, including cooling and recharging. And battery recharging stations may be required.
Step 4: Tire choice
Cushion tires are utilized in forklifts. There are several choices when it comes to tires. Several are fabricated of solid rubber, a few are inflated, and several combine qualities of both - solid pneumatic tires. For indoor application, cushion tires are recommended. For outdoor applications, pneumatic tires are better. Solid pneumatic tires are less likely to be punctured by sharp objects or rough terrain so they are the best option for risky conditions.
Step 5: Consider additional options
When purchasing a new or used forklift truck, consider additional alternatives. Look at the various attachments which you may need to customize your forklift. Check out the forklift's ergonomics and safety features
Step 6: Evaluate your choices
In order to know what type of forklift really meets your requirements, renting different brands and models is a good idea. A good dealer would agree to help you with this. This would ensure that the model you ultimately buy is the correct one for all your requirements. Be sure to consult with your dealer.