There are some steps involved in purchasing a used or new forklift truck. Think about the following items prior to choosing.
Step 1: What exactly are your needs?
Think about the types of loads you will be lifting and how heavy they usually are. Consider the maximum lifting height which you will require. Determine whether you would be using the forklift indoors or outdoors, 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 option?
Purchasing a used forklift is a good idea if you would only utilize it four hours the most per day.
Step 3: Fuel options
Electric forklifts are suitable for utilizing indoors because they are quite quiet and make no exhaust emissions. They have large batteries which could last eight hours before recharging is required. The purchase cost of electric forklifts is higher, but the operating costs are lower. On the plus side, they do not need space for fuel storage. They also tend to last longer because they have less moving parts. However, the time it takes to recharge the battery has to be taken into consideration. This can as long as 16 hours, including cooling and recharging. And battery recharging stations might be required.
Step 4: Tire choice
Cushion tires are used in forklifts. There are some alternatives when it comes to tires. Some are made of solid rubber, a few are inflated, and several combine qualities of both - solid pneumatic tires. For indoor use, cushion tires are recommended. For outdoor applications, pneumatic tires are better. Solid pneumatic tires are less likely to be punctured by sharp objects or rough terrain so they are the best option for risky conditions.
Step 5: Think about additional options
Additional alternatives must be considered when buying a used or new forklift truck. Look at the various types of attachments that you may need to customize your forklift. Check out the safety features and ergonomics of the forklift
Step 6: Evaluate your alternatives
To be able to know what kind of forklift really meets your needs, renting different models and brands is a good idea. A good dealer will agree to help you with this. This will ensure that the model you finally buy is the correct one for all your needs. Be sure to consult with your dealer.