There are several steps involved in the purchase of a used or new forklift truck. Consider the following things prior to making a decision.
Step 1: What are your requirements?
Think about the kinds of loads you will be lifting and how heavy they usually are. Consider the maximum lifting height which you would need. Determine whether you would be utilizing the forklift indoors or outdoors, or both. Measure the width of your narrowest aisles and calculate 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?
Buying a used forklift is a good idea if you would just utilize it four hours the most a day.
Step 3: Fuel options
Since electric forklifts are relatively quiet and make no exhaust emissions, they are recommended for indoor applications. They have big batteries that could last eight hours before you need to recharge it. 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 less moving parts. However, the time it takes to recharge the battery must be factored in. This can take up to 16 hours, including cooling and recharging. And battery recharging stations may be needed.
Step 4: Tire choice
Forklifts have cushion tires. There are several choices when it comes to tires. Some are fabricated of solid rubber, a few are inflated, and some combine qualities of both - solid pneumatic tires. For indoor use, cushion tires are suggested. For outdoor use, pneumatic tires are best. 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: Consider additional options
When purchasing a used or new lift truck truck, think about additional alternatives. Look at the different types of attachments which you may require to customize your forklift. Check out the forklift's safety features and ergonomics
Step 6: Evaluate your alternatives
It is a great idea to rent different brands and models and see what suits your needs the best. A good dealer will agree to help you with this. This will guarantee that the kind of forklift you finally buy is the correct one for all your needs. Be sure to consult with your dealer.