There are several steps involved in purchasing a used or new forklift truck. Think about the following items before making a choice.
Step 1: What exactly are your needs?
Consider the types of loads you would 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 outdoors or indoors, or both. Measure the width of your narrowest aisles and calculate 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?
If you would be operating the forklift four hours a day or less, you can likely get away with purchasing used.
Step 3: Fuel options
Because electric forklifts are fairly quiet and make no exhaust emissions, they are recommended for indoor use. They have large 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 space for fuel storage. 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 account. This could as much as 16 hours, including cooling and recharging. And battery recharging stations might be required.
Step 4: Tire choice
Forklifts have cushion tires. There are some 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 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 option for risky conditions.
Step 5: Consider additional alternatives
When purchasing a used or new forklift truck, consider additional options. Look at the different attachments that you might require to customize your forklift. Check out the forklift's ergonomics and safety features
Step 6: Evaluate your options
To be able to know what kind of forklift truly meets your needs, renting different brands and models is a good idea. A good dealer would agree to help you with this. This would ensure that the type of forklift you ultimately purchase is the correct one for all your requirements. Be certain to consult with your dealer.