Prior to purchasing a used or new lift truck, there are some factors that you should take into consideration. Think about the following items before making a choice.
Step 1: What are your requirements?
Think about the types of loads you would be carrying and how heavy they normally are. Think about the maximum lifting height that you would need. Determine whether you will 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 would be the duration of use per day in terms of 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 possibly get away with buying used.
Step 3: Fuel options
Electric forklifts are recommended for utilizing indoors because they are quite quiet and produce no exhaust emissions. They have big batteries which 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 fuel storage space. They also tend to last longer as they have fewer moving parts. However, the time it takes to recharge the battery has to be taken into account. This can as long as 16 hours, including recharging and cooling. And battery recharging stations might be needed.
Step 4: Tire choice
Forklifts have cushion tires. There are several choices when it comes to tires. Some are made of solid rubber, some are inflated, and some combine qualities of both - solid pneumatic tires. For indoor operation, cushion tires are suggested. For outdoor use, pneumatic tires are best. Solid pneumatic tires are less likely to be punctured by rough terrain or sharp objects so they are the best alternative for risky conditions.
Step 5: Think about additional alternatives
Additional options must be considered when buying a used or new forklift truck. Look at the various attachments that you might need to customize your forklift. Check out the safety features and ergonomics of the lift truck
Step 6: Evaluate your choices
It is a good idea to rent various brands and models and see what meets your requirements the best. A good dealer would agree to help you with this. This would guarantee that the type of forklift you finally purchase is the correct one for all your requirements. Be certain to consult with your dealer.