There are some steps involved in buying a new or used forklift truck. Consider the following items before choosing.
Step 1: What are your requirements?
Consider the kinds of loads you will be carrying and how heavy they usually are. Consider the maximum lifting height which you will require. Find out whether you will be utilizing the forklift outdoors or indoors, 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 choice?
Buying a used forklift is a good idea if you would just use it four hours the most per day.
Step 3: Fuel options
Electric forklifts are recommended for using indoors because they are quite quiet and produce no exhaust emissions. They have large batteries that should last eight hours before needing to be recharged. The cost of purchasing 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 as they have less moving parts. On the other hand, the time it takes to recharge the battery needs to be taken into consideration. This could as long as 16 hours, including recharging and cooling. And battery recharging stations may be required.
Step 4: Tire choice
Forklifts have cushion tires. There are some alternatives when it comes to tires. Some are made of solid rubber, a few 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 different attachments which you might need to customize your forklift. Check out the ergonomics and safety features of the lift truck
Step 6: Evaluate your choices
To be able to find out what type of forklift truly meets your requirements, renting various models and brands is a great idea. A good dealer would agree to help you with this. This would guarantee that the kind of forklift you ultimately purchase is the right one for all your requirements. Be certain to consult with your dealer.