Forklifts are in higher demand than ever before in the year 2021. Last year the forklift market exceeded $90 billion USD and it is projected to continue to rise at a 9 percent rate over the next 6 years.
While there might not be a better time than now to invest in a new forklift, there are some important things to know and consider before making a purchase. Doing your research and finding the right forklift for your needs will get you the most ROI.
Purchasing the wrong forklift for your needs will saddle you with an expensive investment that won't grow your business. Thankfully, you came to the right place for info on how to buy your first forklift truck.
Continue reading to learn more about the steps to take when buying your first forklift.
Know the Purpose of Your Forklift
Forklifts can grow your business exponentially, but only if their value is maximized by the tasks they're needed for. Knowing what you need the forklift to accomplish is a big step in the right direction of finding the right forklift for you.
Some things that need to be considered are the height that you need the forklift to lift to and how wide the aisles are that the forklift will drive through. If the forklift can't navigate the area it is being used in, it will result in frustration.
You also need to think about if the forklift will be used indoors or outdoors. Some forklifts are only meant for indoor use. Others, like a used Moffet forklift, are a good fit for indoor and outdoor use.
The amount of time that the forklift will be in use each day is also important to know. If you're going to be using your forklift for more than 4 or 5 hours per day, then a new forklift is your best option, rather than a second-hand forklift.
Another thing to consider is the ergonomics of the forklifts you're looking at. Some forklifts have designs that aren't comfortable for the operator. These designs could lead to back issues or other injuries to your operators.
The safety of your employees should always be the priority, and ergonomically-friendly forklifts go a long way towards keeping your operators healthy and happy.
Tips for Forklift Shopping
When forklift shopping, the number of options you have can be overwhelming. That is why it is important to find a brand that you trust and that fits your organization's needs.
If possible, you should try to find a partner to purchase forklifts from. This partnership will make sure that your forklifts are taken care of and help you find the best options for your needs.
While a lesser-known brand might be less expensive on the front end, it might be more difficult to source replacement parts when they're needed. A good partner will help you find the best brand and forklift that will help your business grow and thrive for years.
You also need to assess the type of power that you want for your forklift. There are electric forklifts, diesel forklifts, and propane forklifts to choose from and each has its own benefits and forklift features.
From there, try to find the best mix of price and return-on-investment that you can get for the features that you need for your business needs.
Five Mistakes to Avoid
There is a lot of information out there to help you find the right forklift, but what about info to help you keep from making a mistake? There are some common mistakes that companies make when buying their first forklift that you can avoid.
1. Buying Based On Price
While it might be tempting, buying based on price can be a big mistake. While you will pay less upfront, the reliability of the forklift and the access to replacement parts will cost you more in the long term.
While price is not to be disregarded, there are more important factors when making a large investment. The return on investment is the ultimate factor when choosing your first forklift.
2. Not Trying Before Buying
Similar to when buying a car, it is a mistake to buy a forklift without taking it for a test run. A good option is to find the exact forklift that you want and rent it out for a period of time.
There is no better way to know how it will work for your business' needs than to put it through the motions of what is expected from it. Be sure to get feedback from the operator as well, since they will be spending many hours in it.
3. Buying From an Unreliable Forklift Dealer
There are a lot of benefits for your company that will come from purchasing your forklift from a reliable and trustworthy dealership. Purchasing from a reliable dealership will ensure access to emergency repairs and routine maintenance.
An unreliable dealership won't be quick to help you if your forklift breaks down. A breakdown will cost your business thousands of dollars from lost work, so quick repairs are imperative.
4. Not Properly Assessing Cost of Ownership
Purchasing a forklift is a big investment, but don't be intimidated by this. The amount of growth that your business will experience from the investment is more than worth it.
A forklift will make your business run more efficiently and be able to handle larger amounts of inventory. The upfront cost is more than worth it to get a reliable forklift that suits your needs.
5. Not Getting a Maintenance Plan
When you're relying on a forklift to operate at peak levels, there is nothing worse than a mechanical breakdown. This is especially true if you don't have a maintenance plan.
Purchasing from a trustworthy dealership will help you get a maintenance plan that will keep your forklift running at peak levels. It will also ensure that if the forklift breaks down, there will be quick repairs to your forklift.
The amount of money that you'll save from revenue that isn't lost due to significant downtime is something to seriously consider when looking at forklift dealerships.
Lift Your Business to New Heights
Though buying a forklift for the first time might seem daunting, it is a great investment that will more than pay off for your business. It will make operations more efficient and increase revenue.
Following these steps will ensure that you find the perfect forklift for your needs. You'll get the most from your investment while keeping your employees happy and safe.
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