Do you need a forklift in your warehouse? Do you know how to choose the right forklift? Forklifts are an essential piece of equipment for warehouses and manufacturing plants. There are many different types of forklifts, and each has its own set of benefits. You need to know about the various types before you can decide which one is right for your warehouse. This informative article will highlight some of the factors you need to consider when choosing the right forklift for your warehouse. Without further ado, let’s begin.
Determine the Type of Forklift You Need
There are numerous types of forklifts, such as reach trucks, straddle carriers, and stackers. You will need to check on multiple forklift manufacturers to determine which type of forklift would work best for your warehouse. With this, you will be sure of what you are purchasing and if it will fit your warehouse needs.
So, before heading to the market, check on your needs and how a forklift will help you achieve your goals. If possible, you can start with used ones to determine if it is suitable for your warehouse before going for a new one. You can also hire one from a rental company to test drive it for a month or two.
Manual Vs. Electric Forklifts
When looking at the different types of forklifts, one question that usually comes up is whether to choose manual or electric forklifts. Each type has its benefits and drawbacks, which you must consider before deciding what would work best for your warehouse.
Manual forklifts are cheaper and smaller in size. This makes them ideal for warehouses with a small space and few workers, such as one-man warehouse operations. They also require fewer repairs, which is another benefit, making it cost-effective to own these forklifts. Electric forklifts are costlier than manual forklifts, but they are ideal if you have a large warehouse or need an industrial-grade forklift. Depending on the size of your warehouse and the current organization, you might want to consider horizontal racking, and getting a forklift that suits that system well.
Compare Prices of Different Forklifts
Once you have decided on the type of forklift, next is to compare prices from various manufacturers. Some companies may offer different prices for the same model, so it would be best to check with multiple brands before making a purchase decision.
If you are looking for used forklifts, it is best to check with multiple dealers since prices vary from one dealer to another. You may also want to compare the specifications of different brands to determine which brand offers high-quality products at reasonable rates. One thing you need to understand is that the more features, the higher the price.
Highlight Forklift Maintenance Costs
Forklifts are like ordinary vehicles which need to be maintained, serviced, and repaired now and then. You will need to spend more money servicing forklifts than other vehicles since they are used for commercial purposes.
Before purchasing one, check on the maintenance cost and whether it is included in the price. If not, you need to factor this into your budget since forklift repairs can be costly depending on what part breaks down. Also, the maintenance will depend on the usage of your forklift. If you use it every day, the number of services will be higher than if it is used once in a while.
Evaluate the Forklift’s Lift Capacity and Tires
You need to know about lift capacity before choosing a forklift because it will play an essential role in determining how much you can store within your warehouse. The tires also have a significant impact on storage space as well as the forklift’s maneuverability.
Check with different brands on their specifications to see how they compare against each other, lift capacity and tires included. You need to understand that a higher lift capacity means it can hold more weight but is an indication of its durability compared to others at the same price range. Also, check if it meets your warehouse requirement concerning the floor space and tire size.
Warranty Coverage
Forklift manufacturers offer warranty coverage to their customers if it is purchased new. This ensures that your forklift will be repaired or replaced for free if there are issues with the parts within the first year of purchase. You need to check on this information before buying a forklift because it will help you determine if their customer service is good.
If possible, read the conditions before the warranty period ends. This will help you decide if it is worth making a claim for your forklift’s condition, especially when the costs of servicing and repairing are exorbitant compared to buying another new one at full price.
You must consider all of these factors before making a purchase decision. This will help ensure that your forklift will last for years with proper care and maintenance. If possible, purchase your machine from reputable brands as they are known to provide high-quality products and have superior customer service.