Before buying a new or used forklift, there are some things that you should take into consideration. Consider the following items before making a choice.
Step 1: What precisely are your requirements?
Think about the types of loads you will be carrying and how heavy they usually are. Think about the maximum lifting height which you would need. Find out 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 every day when it comes to hours?
Step 2: Is a used forklift your best alternative?
If you will be operating the forklift four hours per day or less, you could possibly get away with buying used.
Step 3: Fuel options
Electric forklifts are recommended for utilizing indoors because they are relatively quiet and make no exhaust emissions. They have big batteries that should last eight hours before recharging is required. The purchase cost of electric forklifts is higher, but the operating expenses are lower. On the plus side, they do not need fuel storage space. They also tend to last longer because they have less moving components. However, the time it takes to recharge the battery needs to be factored in. This can take up to 16 hours, including recharging and cooling. And battery recharging stations might be required.
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 suggested. 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 choice for risky conditions.
Step 5: Consider additional options
When buying a used or new forklift truck, consider additional alternatives. Look at the different 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 know what kind of forklift truly meets your needs, renting various models and brands is a great idea. A good dealer would agree to help you with this. This will ensure that the model you finally buy is the correct one for your requirements. Be certain to consult with your dealer.