What to Consider When Buying a Forklift – Your Ultimate Forklift Buyers Guide
Posted by Arcangelo Capozzolo on
Are you looking to purchase a forklift for your business? When it comes to picking the perfect forklift, it can be tough to decide which one will be the best fit. Getting a forklift which doesn’t fit your needs can result in disaster. It can slow down productivity, damage products, and hurt sales. With this is mind, we’ve compiled important factors to consider as you’re shopping for your forklift, this is your ultimate forklift buyers guide.
Environment: The first thing to keep in mind is where you will be using your forklift. Will it be used indoors or outdoors or maybe even both? If your business operates out of a warehouse, you may consider having your forklift have different specifications such as smooth tires. Additionally, you may not need an enclosed cab, since you will not need to consider weather conditions. If you are going to be primarily outdoors with your forklift, having tires which will be able to control the elements would likely be a better choice.
Payload: Another thing to consider is the average weight of your loads. How heavy of a load will your forklift need to handle? This is obviously an important aspect to keep in mind. If your products weigh more than what your forklift can handle, you have the potential to experience a catastrophic accident. Before making a final decision, ensure your forklift will be stable and able to lift any merchandise or products you will have. Measure both the size and weight of your loads before determining your next forklift.
Height: Is your forklift going to be able to reach the top shelf of your warehouse or stack huge piles of product on top of each other? The height of the forklift and its mast are also important aspects to keep in mind. Determine the highest point you will need your forklift to reach and ensure your next forklift can accommodate your needs.
Power: Deciding on what type of power is another aspect to bear in mind. While electric forklifts can be pricey, they typically are more durable. They also are typically cheaper to power up. Looking to move bigger loads? You may need a forklift which runs on gas or diesel fuel. These forklifts come ready to move heavier stock around with ease and are great for using outdoors.
Comfort: Finally, you need to take into account how much time you are going to be spending in your forklift. If your business requires someone to sit inside of the forklift a majority of the day, choosing a forklift which has adjustable seating may help minimize any back injuries. By investing in a comfortable ride, you can focus on the job at hand rather than counting down the minutes until you can actually sit in a less painful setting.
Buying a forklift can be a tough endeavor. However, with the right information on hand, acquiring a new forklift can go smoothly. Ensure you know important measurements and specifications you would like in your new forklift and you will be able to make an educated and informed decision. If you have any questions about the forklift buying process, Buffalo Forklift can answer any concerns you may have. Give us a call today at 716-710-9611 and we will be more than happy to assist you in any way possible!
