Before buying a used or new lift truck, there are several factors that you must take into consideration. Consider the following items before making a choice.
Step 1: What are your needs?
Consider the kinds of loads you will be carrying and how heavy they typically are. 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 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 option?
If you will be operating the forklift four hours a day or less, you could possibly get away with buying used.
Step 3: Fuel options
Because electric forklifts are fairly quiet and produce no exhaust emissions, they are suitable for indoor applications. They have big batteries which should last eight hours before needing to be recharged. The purchase cost of electric forklifts is higher, but the operating costs are lower. On the plus side, they do not need fuel storage area. They also tend to last longer as they have less moving components. However, the time it takes to recharge the battery needs to be taken into account. This could as much as 16 hours, including cooling and recharging. And battery recharging stations may be required.
Step 4: Tire choice
Forklifts have cushion tires. There are a few alternatives 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 operation, cushion tires are suggested. For outdoor use, pneumatic tires are better. 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: Think about additional options
When purchasing a new or used lift truck truck, consider additional options. Look at the various attachments which you might require to customize your forklift. Check out the ergonomics and safety features of the forklift
Step 6: Evaluate your choices
It is a good idea to rent various brands and models and know what meets your needs the best. A good dealer would agree to help you with this. This would ensure that the model you ultimately buy is the correct one for your needs. Be sure to consult with your dealer.