Factors To Consider Before Purchasing a Forklift

17th Apr 2019

Since their invention forklifts have always played a major role in supporting warehouse operations. Some of the key benefits that they come with are boosting productivity, efficiency and reducing the cost of operations. However, if you want to derive maximum benefit from a forklift you need to ensure you purchase the right one and this will depend on several factors. In today's "Top Five Mondays" article we look at some of those factors.

The Frequency of Use of the Forklift

One factor that can prove very costly to a business is having idle assets. Therefore the very first question that you need to ask yourself before purchasing a forklift is how frequently you will need to use it. In case using it will not be frequent then purchasing one will not make much sense considering you will need to incur costs like maintaining it frequently. Instead, you can consider other options like hiring one which is much more convenient and cheaper.

The environment in Which it Will Be Applied

The application of the forklift is usually diverse depending on different needs. Therefore before you can purchase a forklift you should know the exact environment in which you will use it. For instance, if you are looking to use one for your warehouse operations then an electric forklift would be ideal as it helps preserve the air quality due to almost zero emissions. On the other hand, if you are to use the forklift on a construction site then a rough terrain forklift will offer you the best value for your money.

The type and Capacity of Load to be Moved

If you want to be more efficient when it comes to forklifts then you should match them to the material you handle. One factor to consider under this is the type of load the forklift is required to handle. In case your load is majorly cylindrical cartons then you can order a forklift that comes with carton clamp attachments to make your work easier. Another factor to have in mind is the maximum capacity of the load. It will help you pick a forklift with sufficient capacity to protect your operators form accidents like tip-overs.

The Design and Organisation of Your Warehouse

The design of a warehouse also plays a big role in the kind of forklift you can use. For instance, if your warehouse has narrow aisles then using a larger forklift might prove both inconvenient and inefficient. In such instances, a narrow aisle forklift is your best bet. The way your warehouse is organized in terms of the height of the racks is also key. You have to ensure that the forklift that you purchase can be used to reach the highest load in the rack with minimal effort.

The Budget Allocation

Forklifts come with different features that can have an impact on the selling price. For this reason, having a ready budget will help you identify the right forklift that will meet your needs sufficiently. A budget will also help you know whether you are able to cater for costs like maintenance costs that are a permanent fixture once you purchase the forklift. In case your budget does not allow you to purchase and maintain the specific forklift you need you can always lease one for much less.

Therefore if you are looking to purchase a forklift you can always consider these factors. Always ensure you are aware of the budget allocation you have for the purchase of the forklift. You should also determine the frequency of the use of the forklift to see if it makes sense to purchase one. Also, consider the environment and the nature of the load you will be handling. The warehouse design should also be one of your major considerations.

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