Prior to purchasing a new or used forklift, there are some things that you must take into account. Think about the following items prior to deciding.
Step 1: What exactly are your needs?
Consider the types of loads you will be lifting and how heavy they typically are. Think about the maximum lifting height which you will need. Determine whether you will be utilizing 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 every day in terms of hours?
Step 2: Is a used forklift your best choice?
Buying a used forklift is a good idea if you will just use it four hours the most a day.
Step 3: Fuel options
As electric forklifts are fairly quiet and make no exhaust emissions, they are recommended for indoor use. They have large batteries which could last eight hours before recharging is needed. 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 as they have less moving parts. However, the time it takes to recharge the battery must 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
Forklifts have cushion tires. There are a few options when it comes to tires. Several are made of solid rubber, some are inflated, and some combine qualities of both - solid pneumatic tires. For indoor use, cushion tires are recommended. For outdoor applications, pneumatic tires are best. 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: Think about additional options
Additional alternatives should be considered when purchasing a new or used forklift truck. Look at the different kinds of attachments that you may need to customize your forklift. Check out the ergonomics and safety features of the lift truck
Step 6: Evaluate your options
In order to find out what type of forklift really meets your requirements, renting various models and brands is a great idea. A good dealer will agree to help you with this. This will guarantee that the kind of forklift you finally purchase is the correct one for your requirements. Be sure to consult with your dealer.