Are you in the market for a new forklift? When buying new forklifts, don't just consider your current needs. You should also consider your future needs. Here are several important considerations to take into account regarding your current and future needs when buying a new forklift:
What Capacity Do I Need?
A forklift is only as good as its weight-lifting capacity. A higher capacity forklift certainly won't hurt, but it could be unnecessary for your needs. Remember that a bigger forklift comes with a higher price tag. You can arrive at an appropriate capacity by looking at the typical load weights you handle. Pay particular attention to the maximum weights you transport on a regular basis. Make a little allowance above the average to account for any unexpected loads and attachments.
Also, consider any forklifts you may already have. Do any of them have the capacity to handle your heavier regular loads? If so, your new forklift may only need a high enough capacity to handle loads of average weight.
You should also look at your business growth and customer trends. Growing businesses should aim to purchase new forklifts that allow for their projected future growth. Look at your customers and assess whether their demands are growing quickly or steadily. Quick growth would require a higher jump in capacity.
What Is the Mast Height?
For most businesses, while the load weights become heavier over time, your storage rack height does not change. A mast must suit both the maximum load weight and be capable of reaching the heights you need to stack or shelve the loads. If you need to place loads on surfaces of varying heights, opt for a mast with a free lift.
You should also look at the clearance heights where the new forklifts are working. Don't get a forklift with a mast that is higher than the ceiling in the areas it will need to go.
What is the Engine Type?
Suppose you need new forklifts to handle sensitive goods related to human health. In that case, it is better to go for electric engines. This is because fumes from fuel-burning forklifts can harm the integrity of goods like pharmaceuticals and food. Electric engines are also appropriate for underground deployment because they keep the air clean and thereby protect the safety of your workers.
Diesel forklifts are more suited for heavy-duty applications in the open air or in large warehouses with good airflow.
What Is the Forklift Brand?
Talk to the companies that supply your other heavy-duty equipment when it's time to buy new forklifts. It can be easier to negotiate better terms when you have an existing working relationship with the equipment supplier.
You can also consider buying the same brand to smooth the learning curve if you had a forklift before or have other forklifts in operation. Your forklift drivers will find it easier to adapt to the same configurations.
If you are looking for new forklifts that will match the needs of your growing company, talk to a heavy construction equipment supplier, like Lift Solutions, Inc.
