Not only does the right forklift play an important role in supporting productivity and efficiency, but the forklift that you choose will have an impact on safety and overall operating costs. Whether you are a first-time buyer or you want to add another forklift to your fleet, it might be surprising to see how many variables impact your decisions.
The best way to learn how to buy a forklift is by consulting with our expert team. We evaluate your needs and offer personalized recommendations, ensuring that every customer gets the right equipment without making costly mistakes in the buying process. This forklift buying guide is a great place to start, and then you can reach out to us for more information.
Step 1: Get Clear on Your Actual Forklift Needs
The most important place to start is getting clear on what you actually need with your new forklift:
- Load Weight and Size: What is the typical load size you will be lifting, and the maximum load weight that might need to be handled?
- Lift Requirements: Measure lift height requirements for all circumstances, including racking and trailers.
- Warehouse Layout: Evaluate the layout of your warehouse, including the aisle width and turning radius needs.
- Surface Conditions: Surface conditions also matter. Will you be using the forklift indoors or outdoors? What type of terrain are you navigating?
- Daily Usage: Estimate the operating hours that will be needed, as well as the intensity of the workload during each shift.
- Power Type: Do you need an electric forklift for warehouse use? Or, if you are mainly using the equipment in heavy-duty outdoor conditions, you might choose a diesel or propane forklift instead.
- Compliance and Safety: You need equipment that meets all OSHA compliance and safety requirements, not only to protect your team but also to avoid fines and penalties.
First-Time Forklift Buyer’s Pre-Purchase Checklist
When you are getting ready for a conversation with our team, it can be helpful to come with prepared questions and information about how the forklift will be used. We’ll help you go through a forklift purchase checklist that evaluates your budget, timeline, and whether new or used equipment will best suit your needs.
Every customer is unique, which is why there isn’t a one-size-fits-all recommendation for your new forklift. Instead, our goal is to understand your preferences and identify the ideal solutions to optimize your workflows and profit margins.
Our team offers full-service solutions, which means that you have access to ongoing support for maintenance and repairs. We’ll make sure that your new forklift is in optimal condition at all times.
Choosing the Right Type of Forklift
Consider these first-time forklift buyer tips when choosing the right type of forklift for your purchase:
- If you have an indoor environment and want to reduce noise levels, then electric forklifts are a great choice.
- Propane forklifts can be effective for both indoor and outdoor use.
- Diesel forklifts are commonly used for heavy outdoor projects and work in rough terrain conditions.
- Make sure that the forklift’s capacity and lift height meet the heaviest loads that you will need to handle.
- Don’t buy a forklift with a capacity that is higher than what you actually need.
New vs Used Forklift: What Beginners Should Know
There are pros and cons to buying both new and used forklifts. While the inclination for some people is to save money by buying used, there are times when it makes sense to spend a little more for new equipment.
Some of the benefits of buying a new forklift are that the equipment comes with warranties and modern safety technology. Newer forklifts tend to be more reliable since they don’t have any wear and tear.
On the other hand, used forklifts can reduce your upfront costs. But the inspection routines and ongoing maintenance are critical to ensure that the equipment is operating safely and effectively. If you are thinking about buying a used forklift, then always review the operating hours, maintenance history, and overall condition before making this decision.
Regardless of the forklift you are choosing, you need a thorough inspection before purchase. Also, make sure to test-drive the forklift to see how it operates.
Forklift Inspection Basics (New and Used)
Here are a few things that should always be on your inspection checklist before buying a forklift:
- Check all of the major components, including the forks, mast chains, hydraulics, and hoses.
- Make sure that safety and operating features are working, such as the brakes, steering, tires, and warning systems.
- Ask for maintenance documentation and review this information, including service records and emissions compliance reports.
- Check the data plate to make sure that it matches the current configuration of the forklift.
Forklift Financing Options Explained Simply
One important detail about how to buy a forklift is financing: what is your plan to pay for the forklift?
If you have cash on hand, then you might choose an upfront payment. But this option can be limiting if you don’t want to tie up your working cash. On the other hand, forklift financing options are also available, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of ownership with a loan that spreads the cost out over time. When it comes to financing, dealer financing can be a great option to consider…especially since this financing method is typically cheaper than going through a bank.
Leasing is another possibility to reduce your upfront costs. But the drawback with a leased forklift is that customizations are limited based on the lease terms.
Regardless of the way you choose to pay for the forklift, make sure to explore potential tax benefits that help to reduce your net cost for the equipment.
FAQs
Is leasing better than buying a forklift?
If you need a forklift for a short-term project, then leasing can be an effective solution to consider. But we recommend buying a forklift for long-term use.
How much does it really cost to own a forklift?
Make sure to consider all factors that will influence your total cost of ownership. Not only do you have the initial purchase price, but other costs include maintenance, energy, operator training, and the way potential downtime might affect productivity and cash flow.
How to Buy a Forklift: Call Our Experienced Team
The simplest solution to learn how to buy a forklift is by calling our expert team at BullDog Forklifts. We offer full-service support for our customers, including people who want to buy or rent a forklift. Contact us today for personalized recommendations.