What You Should Consider Before You Buy a Forklift Truck
A forklift can be a significant but necessary financial decision for most businesses. This is why it's essential to have a checklist of features you require from your forklift truck before choosing.
3 Factors to Consider When You Buy a Forklift Truck
Here are the most important things to look out for before you buy a forklift truck:
Capacity of the Forklift Truck:
As a buyer, you should aim for a forklift truck that exceeds your current labor requirements and can accommodate a future increase in your workload. While there's no point in purchasing a forklift truck that does not match the capacity required at the site, at the same time, you don't want to buy a forklift truck with a capacity far above what's needed. Apart from the fact that this may affect the price, it may also mean you will end up with a large truck that can't fit through the aisle on your site.
Use of the Forklift:
The type of forklift truck you should invest in depends on whether it's for extensive use, whether it's for indoor or outdoor use, or how noisy they are. For example, a forklift powered by natural gas can run throughout the day. Additionally, they are easier to refuel, and fuel costs less. However, they may be weaker than diesel-electric forklifts and, as such, are great for indoor but extensive work.
On the other hand, a diesel-electric forklift can be used for rougher work, but it's usually noisier due to fuel burning and, as such, is best for outdoor work.
Level of Training and Forklift Use Experience:
Forklift accidents are relatively common. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, there are about 85 forklift fatalities and 34,900 serious injuries per year in the United States. Most of these accidents usually result from staff refusing to put their seatbelt on when in the lift or not knowing the basics of operating the forklift.
This is why you must ensure that you have staff trained in operating a forklift truck and, specifically, the model to be purchased. For brands like Hyster-Yale with installed Dynamic Stability Systems, operators may find it easier to operate their forklifts without going through new extensive training on the specific model, provided they have prior experience.
Should I Buy a Used Forklift Truck?
The decision between new and used forklift trucks is a question of your specific needs. Shopping for a new forklift may allow you to choose from a broader range of weight, height, capacity, and battery type options. You can also be sure of zero mileage and enjoy a full warranty from the manufacturer.
On the other hand, a used forklift truck is often cheaper and easier to get than a new one. Most times, they also work just as efficiently. However, you may need a thorough inspection before purchase to ensure value for your money.
Contact Trivium Equipment Today!
We are here to assist you if you are searching for a forklift supplier in Arizona. Trivium Equipment offers a wide range of forks and forklift trucks, and we are a trusted dealer in both new and used forklift trucks. You can easily find the right forklift in Arizona that meets your specs. Contact us today to find the perfect forklift truck for your business.