There are several steps involved in the purchase of a used or new forklift truck. Think about the following things prior to deciding.
Step 1: What are your requirements?
Consider the types of loads you would be carrying and how heavy they usually are. Think about the maximum lifting height that you will need. Find out whether you would be using 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 in terms of hours?
Step 2: Is a used forklift your best option?
If you will be using the forklift four hours per day or less, you could likely get away with purchasing used.
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 could last eight hours before needing to be recharged. The purchase cost of electric forklifts is higher, but the costs of operation are lower. On the plus side, they do not need space for fuel storage. They also tend to last longer as they have fewer moving parts. On the other hand, the time it takes to recharge the battery must be taken into account. This can as long as 16 hours, including recharging and cooling. And battery recharging stations might be required.
Step 4: Tire choice
Forklifts have cushion tires. There are some 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 application, cushion tires are suggested. For outdoor applications, 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: Consider additional options
When purchasing a new or used lift truck truck, consider additional alternatives. Look at the different types of attachments which you might require to customize your forklift. Check out the forklift's ergonomics and safety features
Step 6: Evaluate your options
In order to know what kind of forklift truly suits your requirements, renting various models and brands is a great idea. A good dealer would agree to help you with this. This will guarantee that the kind of forklift you ultimately buy is the right one for your requirements. Be certain to consult with your dealer.