QUESTIONS YOU SHOULD ASK YOURSELF WHEN CHOOSING A FORKLIFT TRUCK

Forklift trucks vary from model to model, from manufacturer to manufacturer and different trucks are more suited to different types of jobs. So if you’re looking for a forklift truck, there are many variables to consider. If you’re in the market for a forklift truck these are the questions you should be asking yourself before you decide on a certain type of vehicle. Are you working predominantly indoor or outdoor? Is the forklift mainly going to be used indoors in a warehouse? Or outside in a yard? Or will the time be split equally? This is one of the first questions you should ask yourself because different forklifts perform better outside than in and vice versa. Many forklift trucks are designed specifically to work outside, for example they have special tyres designed to deal with rough terrain. Using an indoor forklift truck outdoors can cause accidents and can cause the vehicle to break down. How often will the forklift be used? Will your new forklift truck be in use all day every day? Or just a couple of days a week? If it will get some intensive use, you need to make sure you buy a forklift that can handle everything that’s thrown at it and is as reliable as possible. Some forklift trucks are more heavy duty and are designed for extended use, whereas others are not. If you only need a forklift truck for a set period, for example for a particular project, you may be better off renting instead of buying. Forklift truck hire can be more cost-effective than finding the capital to buy upfront. How big is the space? It sounds obvious but your forklift truck needs to accommodate the space, not the other way around. It’s useless getting a forklift truck that you can’t fit down your aisles or around your facility. If you have a tight or narrow space then you’ll want a narrow forklift truck that is designed for that. Similarly, if you’re going to be picking and placing stock incredibly high up you’ll need a reach forklift truck. What’s your budget? Your budget will decide what kind of forklift truck you can afford, such as gas, electric or battery powered. These all come with varying upfront costs as well as varying ongoing maintenance and running costs. So you’ll need to factor that in when finding the perfect vehicle for your needs.

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