There are several steps involved in the purchase of a used or new forklift truck. Think about the following items prior to deciding.
Step 1: What are your needs?
Consider the types of loads you would be lifting and how heavy they normally are. Think about the maximum lifting height which you would need. Find out whether you would be using the forklift indoors or outdoors, 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 option?
If you would be operating the forklift four hours per day or less, you can possibly get away with buying used.
Step 3: Fuel options
Electric forklifts are recommended for utilizing indoors because they are quite quiet and make no exhaust emissions. They have large batteries which should last eight hours before recharging is needed. The purchase cost of electric forklifts is higher, but the costs of operation are lower. On the plus side, they do not require fuel storage space. They also tend to last longer because they have less moving parts. On the other hand, the time it takes to recharge the battery must be taken into account. This could as long as 16 hours, including cooling and recharging. And battery recharging stations may be required.
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 several combine qualities of both - solid pneumatic tires. For indoor use, cushion tires are suggested. For outdoor applications, pneumatic tires are best. 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 options should be considered when buying a used or new forklift truck. Look at the different kinds of attachments which you might need to customize your forklift. Check out the safety features and ergonomics of the lift truck
Step 6: Evaluate your alternatives
It is a great idea to rent different models and brands and see what suits your requirements the best. A good dealer would agree to help you with this. This would guarantee that the model you finally buy is the right one for your needs. Be sure to consult with your dealer.