Forklifts are available in a range of different types, each one designed to carry out different tasks in various different environments. Differences can be to do with size, fuel type, lifting capabilities, the type of wheels and tyres etc.
Because of their differences, it’s important to choose carefully before investing in a forklift for your business. Below we’ve listed 4 of the key considerations.
One of the first considerations when buying a forklift should be what type of fuel it’s going to be powered by and whether your choice will suit your workplace. The choices include:
Electric - Generally, electric forklifts will be more expensive than diesel or LPG powered forklifts, but they do have distinct advantages such as:
Better for the environment
Safer for constant indoor use
Quieter
Fewer moving parts
Diesel – Although noisier and not as kind to the environment as electric forklifts, diesel forklifts are some of the most popular forklifts in the industry for a number of reasons, including:
They’re more capable on rough terrain
They have more powerful lifting capabilities
They perform better in wet weather
They don’t require charging
LPG – An LPG (liquid petroleum gas) powered forklift, has advantages found in both electric and diesel forklifts. The benefits include:
Fuel is widely available
One tank of fuel is usually enough per shift
Power stays consistent
Ideal for indoor and outdoor use
The type of tyres you choose for your forklift depends how and where you’re going to use it. To cater for the different usages, various types of tyres are available, such as:
Pneumatic tyres – Ideal for outdoor use, particularly rough terrain
Solid (puncture-proof) tyres – Although hardwearing, these type of tyres are best for indoor use as they don’t provide the same cushioning as pneumatic tyres on rough terrain.
Non-marking tyres – Usually used in food production facilities, these sorts of tyres are lighter in colour and are designed to prevent black tyre marks.
Probably one of the most important factors to consider when buying or hiring a forklift is its load capacity i.e. can it lift what you want it to lift?
The best way to do this is to think about the type of stock you need to transport, its average weight and size and how often you’ll need to transport some of your heaviest items.
Many forklift providers, including Beds & Bucks Forktrucks sell and hire out forklifts, and both options have their advantages depending on how you intend to use your forklift.
Buying a forklift – If you’re considering buying a forklift, think about the hours the forklift is going to be working throughout the year. It would be a shame to invest in something that isn’t being used for long periods.
But, if you do use your forklift all year round, economically speaking, buying is the best option, although you also have to factor in the regular servicing and breakdown costs.
Hiring a forklift – Hiring a forklift either on a long-term or short-term basis has two key benefits:
It’s a much cheaper option in the short term
You can give it back when you’re not using it
There are various other factors to consider when buying a forklift, such as the height and width limits of your workplace, whether you’d like a new forklift or a used forklift, the type of seat you require etc., so before buying, speak to a qualified advisor from a reputable provider.
Whatever type of forklift you’re looking to buy or hire, get in touch with Beds & Bucks Forktrucks. We have a huge stock of new and used forklifts in various makes and models and also rent forklifts on a long or short term basis.
