Before buying a new or used forklift, there are several things that you must take into account. Consider the following things before deciding.
Step 1: What are your needs?
Knowing both the kinds and weight of your loads must be taken into account. Think about the maximum lifting height which you will need. Determine whether you will be using the forklift outdoors or indoors, or both. Measure the width of your narrowest aisles and calculate how much maneuvering space there is. What would be the duration of use every day when it comes to hours?
Step 2: Is a used forklift your best alternative?
If you will be using the forklift four hours a day or less, you could possibly get away with buying used.
Step 3: Fuel options
Electric forklifts are suitable for utilizing indoors because they are quite quiet and produce no exhaust emissions. They have large batteries that could last eight hours before needing to be recharged. The cost of purchasing electric forklifts is higher, but the operating costs are lower. On the plus side, they do not need space for fuel storage. They also tend to last longer as they have fewer moving components. On the other hand, the time it takes to recharge the battery must be factored in. This can as long as 16 hours, including cooling and recharging. And battery recharging stations might be needed.
Step 4: Tire choice
Cushion tires are utilized in forklifts. There are some alternatives when it comes to tires. Some are fabricated of solid rubber, a few are inflated, and some combine qualities of both - solid pneumatic tires. For indoor application, cushion tires are suggested. For outdoor use, pneumatic tires are best. Solid pneumatic tires are less likely to be punctured by sharp things or rough terrain so they are the best choice for risky conditions.
Step 5: Think about additional alternatives
Additional options should be considered when purchasing a used or new forklift truck. Look at the various types of attachments which you might require to customize your forklift. Check out the safety features and ergonomics of the lift truck
Step 6: Evaluate your choices
To be able to know what kind of forklift truly meets your needs, renting different brands and models is a great idea. A good dealer will agree to help you with this. This will ensure that the kind of forklift you finally purchase is the right one for all your needs. Be sure to consult with your dealer.