There are some steps involved in buying a new or used forklift truck. Consider the following things before choosing.
Step 1: What are your requirements?
Think about the kinds of loads you will be carrying and how heavy they normally are. Think about the maximum lifting height that you will need. Determine whether you would 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 when it comes to hours?
Step 2: Is a used forklift your best option?
If you will be using the forklift four hours a day or less, you could likely get away with purchasing used.
Step 3: Fuel options
Since electric forklifts are fairly quiet and produce no exhaust emissions, they are suitable for indoor applications. They have big batteries that could last eight hours before you have to recharge it. The cost of buying 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 less moving parts. However, the time it takes to recharge the battery should be factored in. This can as much as 16 hours, including cooling and recharging. And battery recharging stations may be needed.
Step 4: Tire choice
Cushion tires are utilized in forklifts. There are some alternatives when it comes to tires. Several are fabricated of solid rubber, some are inflated, and several combine qualities of both - solid pneumatic tires. For indoor application, 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 choice for risky conditions.
Step 5: Think about additional options
When purchasing a new or used forklift truck, consider additional options. Look at the various attachments that you might require to customize your forklift. Check out the safety features and ergonomics of the forklift
Step 6: Evaluate your choices
To be able to find out what type of forklift truly meets your needs, renting different models and brands is a good idea. A good dealer would agree to help you with this. This would ensure that the type of forklift you finally buy is the right one for all your requirements. Be sure to consult with your dealer.