If you’ve never purchased a forklift but you are in the market for one, you might be overwhelmed. There are many things to consider when choosing the right forklift for your needs. Here are some questions you can ask yourself to help determine which forklifts for sale Seattle unit is right for you.
What type of surface will the forklift be used on?
One of the most important decisions you’ll need to make when buying a forklift is deciding what type of tires to have on the unit. There are basically two types of tires used on forklifts – pneumatic and cushion. The frames of the forklift are built depending on the type of tires that will be used. Pneumatic tires are used in different terrains, such as outdoors on the grass and dirt. These tires can also be driven on asphalt and they are used in higher profile forklifts. The cushion tires are mainly used for smooth indoor surfaces. Knowing where you are going to be using your forklift will help you narrow your decision down based on the tires you’ll need.
How much weight do you need to lift?
When looking through the inventory of forklifts for sale, Seattle equipment experts suggest you know how much weight you need to lift on a regular basis. To help determine this, you should know a little bit about load capacity. Forklifts typically work on a 24 inch load center. That means that if a forklift is rated at 10,000 pounds, it will lift up to that much at the load center. That weight capacity drops as the forks go higher and the weight moves away from the forklift’s mast. Make some calculations to determine how much you need to lift at any given time and speak with your forklifts for sale Seattle representative to help you find the right equipment for the job.
How many hours are you going to use the forklift each week?
The number of hours you plan to use your forklift will help determine which one you purchase. If you are going to be running it every day for eight hours each day, you should invest in a newer forklift. It doesn’t have to be brand new, but it shouldn’t be more than a few years old. If you only plan to use the forklift occasionally, you can save money and purchase one that is several years old but still has some life left in it. Be realistic about how many hours you are going to use the equipment so you can get one that’s the right age for your requirements.