So, the time has come. You’ve decided now is the time to add a new machine to your fleet and replace that old relic, which seems to be in the shop more than its moving material. Now, you’re faced with some difficult questions.
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How do you know what to look for? Which options you need? Or better yet, what chassis type is required? The next thing you know you’re talking to a dealer, frustrated because you don’t know which type of machine is best suited for YOUR operation.
Lucky for you, I’ve outlined the top 8 questions to answer BEFORE you start looking for a new machine, so you can walk into the dealer feeling like a pro.
From polished concrete floors to mud that will overflow into your boots, the ground equipment works on can vary dramatically and will change the type of forklift and chassis you require.
The different classes of forklifts are all suited to different operating conditions, with some classes only suitable for smooth concrete and others which would be overkill in the same application. You might also need the forklift to work on multiple surfaces, which again will narrow your options. This question helps refine your search and eliminate a few classes of forklifts from the mix.
Although this question is self-explanatory, it plays a key role in guiding your purchase decision and understanding your climate. Operating outdoors for extended periods of time will, in most cases, be more comfortable with an enclosed cabin; whereas an open cab will offer better visibility in an indoor facility with a controlled climate.
This question will also help decide which fuel type is best for your application. Even with changing emissions standards, most customers prefer to keep diesel forklifts for outdoor use only. Propane is versatile and can be used both indoor and outdoor, however the fuel tanks are smaller requiring more frequent refueling than diesel. Electric options are most commonly used for indoor only applications; however some models are now able to operate both indoor and outdoor and on multiple surfaces.
Load dimensions come in all shapes and sizes and in the forklift world, the weight of the object doesn’t always determine what capacity you need in a machine. Length, width, and height will determine the load center of the object which will ultimately affect the capacity of your forklift.
Take a measurement of the load you plan to lift and figure out a good approximation of the weight of the object. This information will help your forklift sales representative calculate the right lift capacity required for the job at hand.
This question should NOT be answered by looking at the maximum fork height of your current forklift. Take a measurement of your highest racking or package to determine your required max fork height. Don’t forget to take into account any obstacles you may need to lift over when placing product onto racking or into position.
Height restrictions are any items that limit the overall lowered height of a machine – the height of the forklift when the forks are on the ground. This can include doorways, overhead ducting, beams, or trailer/van heights when loading cargo. If the forklift will be operating inside of a trailer or van, will you need to stack product while inside?
Understanding these height restrictions combined with lift heights will determine which mast type you will need. A standard mast will have better capacity retention and visibility but will increase the height of the machine. A triplex mast offers greater lift heights with a lower height than a standard mast however; capacity retention will be lowered along with visibility.
Certain machines should not be stored outdoors while they are not being used. Your operation may be perfectly suited to see substantial savings from an electric forklift, but if there is no way to store the machine indoors while being charged, this solution won’t work for you.
The storage of the machine also determines particular options required depending on climate. Machines stored outside in northern climates will require cold weather options which can include a block heater, oil pan heater, hydraulic tank heater, and cold weather hydraulic fluid.
Does your facility run a single, double, or triple shift operation? Are you operating a continuous operation where a forklift is an integral component of production or is the forklift merely a support machine which is used periodically throughout the day? High usage operations will cause increased wear and tear and decrease the overall life of a machine, meaning a new machine is probably your best bet. If you’re equipment see’s less than 4 hours of run time per day, a used machine might be a suitable option.
The above questions cover the basics of what you will need, but maybe there are some options you want as well. These can include additional lighting, fire extinguishers, air conditioning, fingertip controls, or maybe even an air ride seat for added comfort. This is your chance to get the optimal machine for you or your operators, why not take the extra time to make sure nothing is missed?
These 8 questions will help take the stress out of buying a new forklift by giving you a better idea of what you need. If you’re ready to start looking at a new piece of equipment or you would like some help answering these questions, give Leavitt Machinery a call and one of our trained representatives will be happy to come by and complete a free, on-site analysis for you.
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Here are 7 questions to ask when searching for a forklift:
What are your requirements?
How heavy and what size are your typical loads (3,000 to 35,000 lbs. or more)?How high do you need to lift the load?Will you be using it indoors, outdoors or both?How much room do you have to maneuver? How wide are your narrowest aisles?How many hours per day will it be used?
Are you looking for a temporary or permanent addition to your business?
When looking for a forklift for your business it's important to consider if you need the forklift to meet seasonal demands or projects, or if you're looking for a long-term addition to your fleet. Forklift rentals give you the flexibility to add equipment when you need it without investing in another machine. If you're looking for a long-term investment, consider buying a new or used forklift.
Want to learn more about our rental program? Fill out a rental quote to inquire about our forklift rentals.
Do you want to buy a new or used equipment forklift?
New forklifts have the power and performance to take on your toughest jobs without the immediate risk of breakdown or repair. Used forklifts are a great option for businesses looking to save money but not sacrifice on features and capability in their equipment. If you're new to buying used equipment, we have 6 tips for buying used equipment to help you out.
Petroleum or Electric?
Electric forklifts are powered by large batteries that typically last for an eight-hour shift but require recharging and cooling afterwards. They are quieter, have no requirements for fuel storage, and fewer moving parts to extend their life span. Electric forklifts are not suited for outdoor use and cannot be used in the rain. Internal combustion engine forklifts run on gasoline, diesel, liquid propane (LPG) or liquid natural gas (LNG). They are less expensive, but have higher operation costs due to fuel, and the installation of refueling stations if required. An internal combustion forklift are used for loads over 11,000 lbs, and generally has better acceleration and speed. Pneumatic or Cushion?
Forklifts come with cushion tires, which are made of solid rubber, pneumatic tires, which are inflated, or solid pneumatic tires, which are a combination of the two. Cushion tire forklifts are best for indoor use, while pneumatic tire forklifts work better outside. Solid pneumatic tires are best for hazardous conditions, where there is a high risk or regular tires being popped by sharp objects or rough terrain.
What additional features are available?
There are other things that you may want to take into account when reviewing your forklift options. These include ergonomics, various forklift attachments, and safety features of the truck.
What dealer should I choose?
Choose a dealership wisely. Look for dealerships that can offer a wide range of forklift options and can properly assess your requirements and make appropriate recommendations. Our team of forklift specialists are here to help you find your next forklift, whether it's new, used or a rental.
We have a wide selection of new, used and rental forklifts to keep your business up and running. Contact our Williams Machinery sales team today!
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