How to choose the right forklift

The right forklift can save you time and money, completing the job of 20 warehouse workers at once. Forklifts can help your operations stay on track, on budget, and on time. However, it is imperative to find a forklift that is a good fit for your business and your team. When exploring the option of purchasing a forklift, various decisions lie ahead for you, such as forklift type, brand and model, as well as whether to buy used or new. At CFAO Equipment SA, we assist our customers to find the correct forklift to match their business needs.

Any first-time buyer may not be able to identify how to find the right forklift for their business. It is essential to know your business well enough to ensure that you do not select the incorrect forklift for your business and performance needs; waste valuable money or put your workforce in danger. One would need to evaluate all the factors that go with making a choice when selecting your forklift. A few considerations include:

1. Where will your forklift be used?

The environment where your forklift will be operated is an essential consideration as each forklift is designed for specific environments and conditions. For example, forklifts used outdoors are designed specifically to withstand weather conditions; they also have different tyres to that of indoor forklifts, allowing them to traverse uneven and rough terrain.

2. How often will your forklift be used?

The length of time your forklift is required to operate can impact which forklift you choose. Diesel and electric forklifts, both have pros and cons when it comes to energy and productivity efficiencies.

3. What forklift lifting capacity is needed?

Load limits vary depending on forklift size and design. As a first-time buyer, having a general idea of the weight limits that most of your job requires is vital. Consider what jobs your forklift drivers are undertaking so that you can determine the weight lifting capacity of your forklift, thus ensuring that the needs of your daily operations are met. Overloading a forklift with excessive weight, beyond its capacity can damage the forklift which leads to increased maintenance or repair costs and operational downtime.

4. What reach capacity is needed?

Similarly to the weight-lifting factor mentioned above, you would need to know what maximum heights your forklifts would need to extend to. Ensure that you measure the heights your forklifts need to reach as well as the space available within your aisles, storage or warehousing spaces.

5. Is the environment an important factor for your business?

Forklifts are powered differently. Electric forklifts by batteries and diesel forklifts by diesel fuel. If your business is focused on going green, an electric forklift will align with your business’ objectives as it produces fewer emissions and is quieter than diesel models.

6. What budgets are you willing to spend?

The costs associated with forklifts can have a notable impact on your business. Knowing your budget will provide guidance on whether to purchase a new or pre-owned forklift or hire a forklift. The pre-owned forklifts offered via our TUF Forklift division and across CFAO Equipment SA’s brand partners are in impeccable condition assisting you to keep operational costs down.

Forklift options at CFAO Equipment SA

At CFAO Equipment SA, we pride ourselves in offering a wide range of best-in-class new and pre-owned forklifts that are available for both purchase and rent. All forklifts are supported by our aftermarket services. We can assist you in choosing the correct forklift for your business operational needs. Contact us today.