Before purchasing a used or new lift truck, there are several things that you should take into consideration. Consider the following things before choosing.
Step 1: What precisely are your needs?
Knowing both the types and weight of your loads should be taken into consideration. Think about the maximum lifting height which you would require. Determine whether you will 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 when it comes to hours?
Step 2: Is a used forklift your best alternative?
If you will be using the forklift four hours per day or less, you can likely get away with purchasing used.
Step 3: Fuel options
Since electric forklifts are fairly quiet and produce no exhaust emissions, they are suitable for indoor use. They have big batteries which could last eight hours before you need to recharge it. The cost of buying electric forklifts is higher, but the operating costs are lower. On the plus side, they do not need fuel storage space. They also tend to last longer as they have fewer moving components. On the other hand, the time it takes to recharge the battery needs to be taken into consideration. This could take up to 16 hours, including cooling and recharging. And battery recharging stations might be required.
Step 4: Tire choice
Cushion tires are utilized in forklifts. There are several options when it comes to tires. Some 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 operation, pneumatic tires are best. Solid pneumatic tires are less likely to be punctured by sharp objects or rough terrain so they are the best alternative for risky conditions.
Step 5: Think about additional alternatives
When buying a new or used forklift truck, consider additional alternatives. Look at the various kinds of attachments that you may need to customize your forklift. Check out the forklift's safety features and ergonomics
Step 6: Evaluate your choices
In order to know what kind of forklift truly suits your requirements, renting different brands and models is a good idea. A good dealer will agree to help you with this. This will ensure that the type of forklift you ultimately purchase is the correct one for your needs. Be sure to consult with your dealer.