Prior to purchasing a new or used lift truck, there are some things that you should take into account. Think about the following things prior to choosing.
Step 1: What are your needs?
Consider the types of loads you would be carrying and how heavy they usually are. Consider the maximum lifting height that you will require. Determine whether you will be using the forklift outdoors or indoors, 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 when it comes to hours?
Step 2: Is a used forklift your best choice?
Buying a used forklift is a good idea if you will just use it four hours the most per day.
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 you have to recharge it. The purchase cost of electric forklifts is higher, but the operating expenses are lower. On the plus side, they do not require fuel storage space. They also tend to last longer because they have fewer moving components. However, the time it takes to recharge the battery should be factored in. This can take up to 16 hours, including cooling and recharging. And battery recharging stations might be required.
Step 4: Tire choice
Forklifts have cushion tires. There are a few alternatives when it comes to tires. Some are made of solid rubber, some are inflated, and several combine qualities of both - solid pneumatic tires. For indoor application, cushion tires are recommended. For outdoor use, pneumatic tires are better. Solid pneumatic tires are less likely to be punctured by sharp objects or rough terrain so they are the best choice for risky conditions.
Step 5: Think about additional alternatives
Additional alternatives must be considered when purchasing a new or used forklift truck. Look at the different kinds of attachments which you may require to customize your forklift. Check out the forklift's ergonomics and safety features
Step 6: Evaluate your alternatives
In order to find out what type of forklift truly meets your requirements, renting different models and brands is a great idea. A good dealer would agree to help you with this. This would guarantee that the model you ultimately buy is the correct one for your needs. Be certain to consult with your dealer.