Prior to purchasing a new or used lift truck, there are some factors that you should take into account. Consider the following things before making a choice.
Step 1: What are your requirements?
Consider the kinds of loads you will be lifting and how heavy they usually are. Think about the maximum lifting height which you would need. Find out whether you would be using the forklift outdoors or indoors, or both. Measure the width of your narrowest aisles and gauge how much maneuvering space there is. What will be the duration of use per day when it comes to hours?
Step 2: Is a used forklift your best choice?
If you will be utilizing the forklift four hours a day or less, you could likely get away with buying used.
Step 3: Fuel options
Because electric forklifts are fairly quiet and make no exhaust emissions, they are recommended for indoor use. They have big 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 need space for fuel storage. They also tend to last longer because they have fewer moving components. However, the time it takes to recharge the battery must be factored in. This can take up to 16 hours, including cooling and recharging. And battery recharging stations might be required.
Step 4: Tire choice
Forklifts have cushion tires. There are several options when it comes to tires. Several are made of solid rubber, a few are inflated, and several combine qualities of both - solid pneumatic tires. For indoor application, cushion tires are suggested. For outdoor applications, pneumatic tires are best. Solid pneumatic tires are less likely to be punctured by sharp things or rough terrain so they are the best option for risky conditions.
Step 5: Think about additional alternatives
Additional alternatives must be considered when purchasing a used or new forklift truck. Look at the different attachments that you might need to customize your forklift. Check out the safety features and ergonomics of the forklift
Step 6: Evaluate your alternatives
In order to find out what kind of forklift truly meets your needs, renting various 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 purchase is the right one for your needs. Be certain to consult with your dealer.