Ask anyone who has to handle heavy loads on a daily basis and they’ll tell you the same thing, their forklifts are essential to their job. Without forklifts, modern warehouses wouldn’t exist and the logistics would’ve taken way too much time. If you’re looking to buy a forklift, there are some things that you should take into consideration so that you don’t end up with one that doesn’t match your use case. However, chances are that you wouldn’t know what these things are and what you should be looking out for.

In this article, we’re going to take a look at some of the most important factors that you should consider if you’re planning on purchasing a forklift. Not only will you save a ton of money but you’ll also be infinitely more satisfied if you just spend a little more time researching the kind of forklift you want. So without further ado, let’s get to it and find out what you should look for while buying a forklift. 

1. Capacity

Not all forklifts are created equal and some can carry a little more weight than others. You have to evaluate the kind of load that your forklift will be carrying regularly before you buy a forklift. Carrying more weight on an underpowered one might increase the stress on its engine and other structural components. However, a higher capacity means you’ll have to spend a higher amount to buy the forklift. This is why you have to calculate precisely how much weight your forklift will be carrying so that you don’t miss the mark.

2. Old vs New

A great way to save a substantial amount of money is to buy a used forklift which will be many times cheaper than a brand new one. Many people assume that second-hand forklifts must be faulty, however, but there can be many reasons why owners sell their forklifts like upgrading to a larger one, a newer model, or anything else. However, you need to be careful when buying used ones because you can easily be scammed if you’re buying them for the first time. A great way to avoid being scammed is to contact a reputed forklift distributor or broker who can guarantee you the quality of the equipment. They can help you identify whether the forklift you are interested in is in good condition. If you have the budget, however, then you can also buy a brand new forklift. Generally, in most cases, an older model will be fine.

3. Engine 

Forklifts are heavy machinery and they operate on power just like any other machinery. However, this power can come from a variety of sources like diesel, electricity, or petrol. The general rule of thumb is that you use electric forklifts for products like food and pharmaceuticals, and diesel ones for heavy-duty work. You should also keep the working conditions in mind as an electric forklift is more suitable for indoor or underground spaces where there’s a lack of ventilation. 

4. Attachments

Most forklifts allow you to add attachments to them depending on the intended use. Forklifts are versatile machines used for many different purposes and it’s a good idea to think about the attachments you’ll be using in the future. This will save you a considerable amount of money since your forklift will be able to accomplish multiple goals. Some of these attachments, like side shifters and single-doubles, might not be needed by you now but you might need to use them in the future, so consider your options wisely before making any decisions.

5. Manufacturer Preference

Many people have a preference for a certain manufacturer that they’ve previously purchased from and this influences their decision. While it’s perfectly okay for you to prefer one manufacturer over another because of your previous experiences, it’s also a good idea to try out newer products if others recommend them. Many times, we restrict ourselves to just one option and don’t even realize what we were missing out on until we try out different things.

These are some of the many things that you should consider before buying a forklift for yourself. While there are many other factors that we could’ve discussed, these ones should be more than enough to help you arrive at the right decision. Remember that you should also take reviews and feedback from others who might be using the forklift that you’re interested in so that you make a well-informed decision. In the end, your purchase decision boils down to your personal preferences and requirements which is why a thorough evaluation of your needs is a must.