Are you looking to purchase a forklift? If so, you know that looking for a forklift for your business can be somewhat challenging, especially if you don’t know much about it. It takes understanding and effort to find the right forklift for you. But don’t fret. We’re here to help you in that process.
There are some points to consider before purchasing a forklift that’s for sale. What are they? Read on to find out.
1) New Or Used
When you buy a new forklift, your business is getting a newly-engineered piece of equipment with the latest features and technologies. On the other hand, older forklifts stand to give you a reliable machine that can do its job at a fraction of the cost.
The key here is to understand what you should look for. There’s nothing much to say about new forklifts. Since they are in pristine condition and unused, they should run efficiently out of the factory. Buying a used one, however, may require you to do a couple of things to ensure you are getting your money’s worth out of it. If you buy from Modern Forklift, you are guaranteed to receive a second-hand forklift that still runs reliably and is well-maintained.
2) Don’t Forget To Test Drive It
When purchasing a forklift, it’s always a good idea to take it for a test drive. This way, you’ll know what to expect from the machine. For example, a faulty forklift will likely make knocking or other abnormal noises while in motion. Also, check the engine, controls, mast, and lights. Check for any leaks or damage, and make sure everything works correctly.
Ergonomics is an important consideration when it comes to forklifts. Taking a forklift for a test drive is similar to driving a car. You want to see how the machine functions in your workplace before buying it. Whether you will operate it daily or just for occasional hauling, a test drive is crucial to your satisfaction. Buying a forklift is an investment for your business, so take your time and get a feel for it.
3) Check The History
If you opt for a used forklift, you must know the history of the model you are interested in.
For example, you should know the manufacturer’s service history and the locations where previous owners have used the machine. If you purchase a forklift from an environment with saltwater, it may have extra corrosion in machine parts. If it is stored in an area with high humidity, it may be exposed to extra moisture.
4) Always Get It From A Reputable Seller
If you’re buying a new forklift, buy it from a reputable authorized dealer. Authorized dealerships have the most knowledge about forklifts. In addition, a dealer will also have the support of the original equipment manufacturer.
An authorized seller or dealer has the experience and knowledge necessary to ensure you get the best value for your money. And if you’re looking to finance the purchase, an authorized dealer may offer financing options too.
5) Cost
The cost of a forklift varies, depending on the type of forklift you need and the specifications you want. New forklifts are often more expensive than used ones, but they come with warranties and have been inspected for quality assurance. Used forklifts may cost less, but you could end up replacing them sooner.
Also, don’t forget to factor in the costs of maintaining and servicing the forklift. Aside from price, other expenses that should be considered when buying a forklift include maintenance, fuel, and operator training.
6) Load Capacity
It can be tricky to figure out the right forklift capacity for you. It is especially true if your average pallet load has been changing a lot to meet the demands of your customers.
Most people think that they should pick a forklift with more capacity. But remember that more capacity means more money. The bigger the forklift is, the more expensive it’ll be. That said, you need to evaluate your average load, customer trends, and attachments when choosing forklift capacity.
Final Thoughts
These are the most important things to consider when buying a forklift. Hopefully, these will help you make the right choice. Remember that a forklift not suited to your business’ needs can become unreliable and a liability, defeating the purpose of buying one in the first place. After all, productivity is the ultimate goal for any business. Whether you’re just starting or doubling the size of your operation, you’ll want to get the most out of your forklifts.
