There are several steps involved in purchasing a used or new forklift truck. Think about the following things prior to choosing.
Step 1: What precisely are your requirements?
Knowing both the types and weight of your loads must be taken into account. Consider the maximum lifting height that you will need. Determine 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 will be the duration of use per day in terms of 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 per day.
Step 3: Fuel options
Electric forklifts are recommended for utilizing indoors because they are relatively quiet and produce no exhaust emissions. They have large batteries which 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 require space for fuel storage. They also tend to last longer since they have fewer moving components. On the other hand, the time it takes to recharge the battery needs to be taken into consideration. This could 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 a few 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 application, cushion tires are suggested. 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 option for risky conditions.
Step 5: Consider additional options
When buying a new or used forklift truck, think about additional alternatives. Look at the different attachments which you might need to customize your forklift. Check out the safety features and ergonomics of the lift truck
Step 6: Evaluate your options
It is a great idea to rent different brands and models and find out what suits your requirements the best. A good dealer would agree to help you with this. This would guarantee that the kind of forklift you finally buy is the correct one for your requirements. Be certain to consult with your dealer.