Choosing the right forklift is important for your business. It will affect your operation costs, productivity, employee morale, and stock management. However, you can get assistance from professionals such as Gwent Mechanical Handling to ensure that you are getting the bang for your buck.
There are several factors to consider to ensure that you make an informed decision:
- Load Capacity
- Height and reach
- Type of fuel
- Tyre type
- Maintenance and servicing
- Training and certification
- New vs Used vs Hired
- Budget
Load Capacity
Knowing how much capacity is a tough question as more load capacity means more money.
You need to ensure that the forklift you choose has the necessary load capacity for your specific needs.
Find out:
- Type of Stock
- Average load weight
- Heaviest load weight possible
- Size of the load
The type of load is important because there are specific forklift attachments that can improve the performance of a standard forklift and allow you to move the load more efficiently.
Height and reach
Consider the maximum height and reach that the forklift will need to reach in your specific application.
The forklift’s mast and attachments must be able to reach the required height and distance.
Find out:
- Typical lift height
- The highest point the forklift needs to reach
- Height restriction
Type of fuel
There are several types of forklift fuels available, including electric, diesel, and gas.
Electric:
- More expensive at first
- Longer life span
- No emission
- Quiet
Diesel:
- Lift much bigger loads
- Move faster
- Has emission
- Can handle rough terrain
Gas:
- LPG and CNG
- Easy to refuel
- Less emission
- Can handle rough terrain.
You need to consider the fuel type that best suits your operational requirements and budget.
Tyre type
There are generally 2 types of tires which are:
Cushion tires – for indoor applications
Solid Pneumatic tires – for outdoor applications.
Maintenance and servicing
Ensure that you choose a forklift brand with a good reputation for reliability and durability.
You also need to consider the cost and availability of spare parts and servicing in your area.
Training and certification
Ensure that your operators are trained and certified to operate the forklift.
It is essential to get proper certified Forklift Training which is accredited to either RTITB, ITSAAR, ALLMI, NPORS, or AITT in the UK.
This will ensure that they operate the forklift safely and efficiently, reducing the risk of accidents and damage to the equipment.
A driving license isn’t required to operate a forklift unless you need to drive a forklift truck on a public road, in which case a full UK driving license may be required, and you’ll need to obey all standard road regulations.
New vs Used vs Hired
This is an important decision and your decision should be based on your budget. Buying a brand new forklift is best but sometimes buying a used forklift is a great option as well.
New Forklifts
- A new forklift has a higher upfront cost.
- New can be an excellent choice for both moderate and high weekly usage.
- Reduced breakdowns and service expenses.
- If you locate the correct supplier, you’ll be able to get a great deal on a wide range of new forklifts.
Used Forklifts
- Used forklifts can reduce upfront costs.
- Better for moderate usage.
- Will have higher breakdowns/servicing costs.
Why you should get used forklifts?
- Less waiting time for sudden equipment needs
- A wider choice
- Familiar design and features
Used forklifts are often a better option for those who don’t mind a little wear and tear on their equipment.
It’s important to keep in mind that buying anything that has been previously owned can have its own risks.
Make sure to do the forklift checklist if you’re going for a used forklift.
Hired Forklifts
A Hired forklift has a lower upfront cost.
If you do not require a forklift on a long-term basis, renting one is a fantastic option for those on a tighter budget.
Budget
You need to determine your budget for the forklift and any associated costs such as maintenance, servicing, and training.
Consider the cost of ownership and the long-term benefits of investing in a high-quality forklift.
Do throughout research on whether to get a new, used, or hired forklift.