Before buying a used or new lift truck, there are some things that you must take into consideration. Consider the following things prior to making a decision.
Step 1: What are your requirements?
Knowing both the kinds and weight of your loads must be taken into consideration. Consider the maximum lifting height which you would need. Determine whether you will be using 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 when it comes to hours?
Step 2: Is a used forklift your best alternative?
If you will be utilizing the forklift four hours per day or less, you could likely get away with purchasing 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 could last eight hours before recharging is required. The purchase cost of 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 fewer moving components. However, the time it takes to recharge the battery has to be factored in. This can as long as 16 hours, including cooling and recharging. And battery recharging stations might be required.
Step 4: Tire choice
Forklifts have cushion tires. There are several choices when it comes to tires. Some 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 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: Consider additional options
When buying a new or used lift truck truck, think about additional alternatives. Look at the different attachments that you might require to customize your forklift. Check out the safety features and ergonomics of the lift truck
Step 6: Evaluate your choices
In order to find out what type of forklift really meets your requirements, renting different brands and models is a great idea. A good dealer will agree to help you with this. This will guarantee that the model you ultimately buy is the correct one for your requirements. Be certain to consult with your dealer.