AssetTrader Buying Guide to Forklifts

Functionality and Use

It’s important to understand exactly what you will be using the forklift for and the requirements you need before you speak to dealers or start to shop around.
Here is a checklist to determine those needs.

-Will you be using it indoor or outdoor?
-How heavy and what size are your typical loads?
-How high does the forklift need to lift a typical load?
-How wide are the narrowest aisles? How big is the space the forklift will need to manoeuvre in?
-How often and frequently will it be used in a day?

Asking these questions will go along way to identifying the right forklift.

Weight
Forklift trucks are geared around the weight they can lift. The lowest starting at 3,000 lbs and going up to 35,000 lbs. The most frequently used forklifts are 3,000, 5,000, and 8,000lb weight capacity.
The size of loads will also be a big factor. The measurement of capacity is based on a 24 inch “load center”, this is based on the distance from the center of gravity to the sides of the load is 24 inches.

Safety is the big factor when it comes to load capacity and size. If you’re loads are wider or higher than usual or the centre of gravity, then knowing this will specify the correct equipment for optimum safety.
If you’re operations rarely change from day to day, choosing the right truck will be a quick procedure. If the loads change day to day or at some time in the future, the safest option is to go above you’re current needs and buy a forklift that offers more flexibility in a combination of operations.

Height
The height that the forklift will be loading or unloading weight is usually quite fixed in most operations. If it’s loading shelves of 3 feet, that is a clear indicator of height. If it’s truck to truck that is also the height indicator. If it is not as clear cut, use the maximum height.