There are several steps involved in the purchase of a new or used forklift truck. Consider the following items prior to deciding.
Step 1: What exactly are your requirements?
Think about the types of loads you would be lifting and how heavy they typically are. Think about the maximum lifting height that you would need. Determine whether you will be using the forklift indoors or outdoors, or both. Measure the width of your narrowest aisles and gauge 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 will be using the forklift four hours a day or less, you can possibly get away with buying used.
Step 3: Fuel options
As electric forklifts are relatively quiet and produce no exhaust emissions, they are suitable for indoor applications. They have large batteries which could last eight hours before you need to recharge it. The purchase cost of 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 less moving parts. On the other hand, the time it takes to recharge the battery needs to be taken into consideration. This could take up to 16 hours, including cooling and recharging. And battery recharging stations may be required.
Step 4: Tire choice
Forklifts have cushion tires. 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 operation, cushion tires are suggested. For outdoor applications, pneumatic tires are better. Solid pneumatic tires are less likely to be punctured by rough terrain or sharp things so they are the best choice for risky conditions.
Step 5: Consider additional alternatives
Additional alternatives must be considered when buying a used or new forklift truck. Look at the different kinds of attachments which you may need to customize your forklift. Check out the forklift's safety features and ergonomics
Step 6: Evaluate your choices
To be able to find out what kind of forklift really suits your needs, renting various models and brands is a great idea. A good dealer will agree to help you with this. This would ensure that the kind of forklift you finally buy is the correct one for your needs. Be sure to consult with your dealer.