Before buying a used or new lift truck, there are several things that you must take into consideration. Consider the following items prior to making a choice.
Step 1: What precisely are your requirements?
Think about the types of loads you will be lifting and how heavy they normally 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 will only use it four hours the most a day.
Step 3: Fuel options
Since electric forklifts are fairly quiet and produce no exhaust emissions, they are suitable for indoor applications. They have large batteries that could last eight hours before recharging is required. 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 since they have fewer moving parts. However, the time it takes to recharge the battery needs to be taken into consideration. This could as much as 16 hours, including recharging and cooling. And battery recharging stations might be required.
Step 4: Tire choice
Cushion tires are used in forklifts. There are a few choices when it comes to tires. Several are fabricated of solid rubber, a few are inflated, and several combine qualities of both - solid pneumatic tires. For indoor application, 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: Think about additional alternatives
Additional alternatives should be considered when buying a used or new forklift truck. Look at the various attachments that you may require to customize your forklift. Check out the forklift's ergonomics and safety features
Step 6: Evaluate your options
In order to know what kind of forklift truly meets your requirements, renting different brands and models is a great idea. A good dealer will agree to help you with this. This will ensure that the model you ultimately purchase is the correct one for all your requirements. Be certain to consult with your dealer.