The $23 billion forklift market has thrived for over 50 years, serving the construction, shipping, and warehousing sectors.
So, if you’re looking to make light work of heavy lifting in your enterprise, a forklift offers solutions for you. Before you splash out on the first, shiny-looking model you see, consider these aspects of choosing a forklift.
Making good decisions now assures you of many years of service from your forklift.
1. New vs Used Forklifts
When comparing forklift costs, you’ll notice that you can save a lot of money by buying a used forklift.
When you buy a new forklift, you’re covered by warranties if something does go wrong, while a used machine may come with a history of problems and hassles waiting to happen.
Forklifts are long-lasting machines, so depending on how hard you work the forklift, you could get years of service out of a used model.
If you have an unlimited budget, it’s best to buy a new forklift. Yet, you can also buy a refurbished forklift, that’s almost as good as new, without the hefty price tag.
2. Types of Tire
The different tire options for forklifts include solid pneumatic, polyurethane, cold-prepped, or static-resistant tires.
Cushion tires are the most suited for indoor use and also the most economical option. They can turn on a dime and run perfectly on smooth surfaces.
If your business centers on warehousing, they’re the best option for you. Pneumatic tires with wide treads work best on gravel and rough surfaces.
3. Capacity for Work
Capacity refers to how much weight a forklift can carry and how far it can carry it. According to 99lifts.com, some forklifts can lift 5,500 lbs.
You probably don’t need one of these expensive behemoths in your business though. Most pallets can only carry 2,000 lbs., so if you work in the materials handling sector, you can get by with a lower-rated, less expensive version.
4. Different Engine Types
There are three types of forklifts to choose from in this regard. These are:
Natural Gas Forklifts
Natural gas forklifts are efficient with short re-fuelling times. As such, they can work all day long at a low cost. They’re not as powerful as the other types of forklifts.
Electric Forklifts
Electric forklifts feature quiet operations and are the safest type of forklift. They’re best for moving items over short distances and are the most affordable option.
Diesel-electric Forklifts
Hybrid or diesel-electric forklifts work the best outdoors. They’re the most expensive and loudest type of forklift, but they’re fast and powerful.
5. Attachments and Accessories for Your Forklift
Attachments and accessories help boost the productivity of your forklift, but they can impact its capacity. The most popular forklift attachments include fork positioners, blade extensions, and side shifters.
A reputable forklift manufacturer can help you match your needs to the best available extras to help streamline your operations.
Make the Best Business Decisions
Choosing a forklift isn’t something you do every day. So, it’s worth taking the time to consider your options carefully before splashing out on one of these machines.
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