There are several steps involved in the purchase of a new or used forklift truck. Think about the following items prior to deciding.
Step 1: What precisely are your requirements?
Consider the types of loads you will be lifting and how heavy they usually are. Think about the maximum lifting height that you will need. Find out whether you would be utilizing the forklift indoors or outdoors, or both. Measure the width of your narrowest aisles and gauge how much maneuvering space there is. What will be the duration of use every day in terms of hours?
Step 2: Is a used forklift your best option?
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
Electric forklifts are suitable for using indoors because they are relatively quiet and produce no exhaust emissions. They have big batteries that should last eight hours before needing to be recharged. The purchase cost of electric forklifts is higher, but the costs of operation are lower. On the plus side, they do not require fuel storage area. They also tend to last longer because they have less moving parts. On the other hand, the time it takes to recharge the battery must be taken into consideration. This can as long 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 choices 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 use, cushion tires are suggested. For outdoor applications, pneumatic tires are best. Solid pneumatic tires are less likely to be punctured by rough terrain or sharp objects so they are the best choice for risky conditions.
Step 5: Think about additional alternatives
When purchasing a new or used lift truck truck, think about additional options. Look at the various types of attachments that you may need to customize your forklift. Check out the safety features and ergonomics of the forklift
Step 6: Evaluate your alternatives
It is a great idea to rent different models and brands and find out what meets your requirements the best. A good dealer will agree to help you with this. This will ensure that the model you finally purchase is the correct one for all your requirements. Be sure to consult with your dealer.