Before purchasing a used or new forklift, there are some factors that you must take into account. Think about the following items prior to choosing.
Step 1: What exactly are your needs?
Knowing both the kinds and weight of your loads should be taken into consideration. Consider the maximum lifting height that you would need. Find out whether you would be using the forklift indoors or outdoors, or both. Measure the width of your narrowest aisles and estimate how much maneuvering space there is. What will be the duration of use per day in terms of hours?
Step 2: Is a used forklift your best alternative?
If you will be utilizing the forklift four hours a day or less, you can possibly get away with buying used.
Step 3: Fuel options
Because electric forklifts are fairly quiet and produce no exhaust emissions, they are recommended for indoor applications. They have big batteries that should last eight hours before needing to be recharged. The cost of buying electric forklifts is higher, but the operating expenses 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 has to be taken into consideration. This could take up to 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 a few options when it comes to tires. Several are fabricated 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 rough terrain or sharp objects so they are the best choice for risky conditions.
Step 5: Consider additional alternatives
Additional alternatives must be considered when buying a new or used forklift truck. Look at the various attachments that you may require to customize your forklift. Check out the safety features and ergonomics of the forklift
Step 6: Evaluate your alternatives
To be able to find out what kind of forklift truly suits your needs, renting different models and brands is a good idea. A good dealer will agree to help you with this. This will ensure that the model you finally buy is the correct one for all your needs. Be sure to consult with your dealer.