The Ultimate Guide to Buying The Right Forklift
If you are in need of a forklift truck, there are quite a few options available. The best way to avoid getting confused and buying the wrong forklift truck is to carefully consider your needs and your expectations. With so many forklift trucks to choose from, you are bound to find the exact right fit for your business right here.
Exactly what do you need your Forklift for?
While forklift trucks are very useful and can be versatile, you still need to narrow down your search by pinpointing your exact needs.
Are you handling white goods, pallets or bales?
Will you be using your forklift truck outdoors or in a warehouse?
Will your forklift be required to fit into small spaces and be easily manoeuvrable, or is lift power more important to you?
How high do you need to lift and what is the maximum weight of the product you are picking up?
All of these factors play an important role in choosing the right forklift truck.
What size and weight loads do you need to lift?
To handle large loads you need to consider using a more robust, heavy duty diesel forklift. The Grendia 1.8 – 15.0 Ton counterbalance forklift is both strong and reliable with hydraulic control to ensure optimal productivity.
For smaller loads, the FB – TCB Range offers a 3 wheel electric counterbalance forklift with a capacity of 1.3 to 2.0 tons. This forklift is not only quiet but also environmentally friendly and works in smaller aisles.
How high do you need to lift your loads?
If you need to stack your pallets high, the Mitsubishi Sensia reach truck lifts as high as 13m and the overhead guard gives you optimal visibility and safety at all times.
What are the space limitations of your premises?
With a turning radius of as little as 2500mm, the Mitsubishi Axia electric Stacker offers a capacity of 1.0 – 1.6 tons in a model that is more compact than the conventional forklift truck.
What if I need to work on rough terrain?
If your forklift is to venture outdoors, consider the Bomaq MP series. These forklifts are not only off-road capable, but you can also match the tyres of your forklift to the terrain you will be operating in. Gravel, sand or mud are manageable with the Bomaq MP forklifts.
What type of premises do you have; is it indoor or outdoor? Do you work with food?
For outdoor use, diesel forklift trucks are ideal because in wet weather they are still able to run at full capacity. Diesel trucks also emit fumes, which mean they should not be used when working with food. The Grendia range boasts minimal emissions in any environment.
Electric forklift trucks are preferable for use with food simply because they do not emit noxious fumes. The FB – CA Series can be tailored to meet the demands of the application and the environment. Electric forklifts are also better suited to a flat gradient, as an incline tends to deplete the battery faster.
Electric Forklift trucks versus Diesel trucks
The biggest difference between electric forklift trucks and diesel forklift trucks is undoubtedly the down time. Electric forklift trucks incur downtime while they are being charged, this may hamper productivity in a multi-shift operation unless a spare battery is available. Diesel trucks can however operate 24 hours a day, stopping only to refuel.
Additionally, diesel forklift trucks will require a bulk fuel tank on premises or a petrol station nearby, while electric forklift trucks require a dedicated battery charging station. A battery charging station needs to be placed in a well ventilated and dry area.
Diesel forklift trucks are more capable of handling additional hydraulic attachments, electric forklift trucks experience faster battery drainage when using hydraulic attachments.
In general, diesel or internal combustion forklifts are more robust and reliable.
Will your Forklift truck need attachments?
You would be surprised at just how many attachments are available for forklift trucks, all of which will enable your forklift truck to perform tasks you may have previously not known to be possible. Additionally aiding in the prevention of damage to your forklift truck, the pallets and goods, forklift attachments are often very necessary. Appliance clamps, bale clamps, drum clamps, multi pallet handlers and paper roll clamps are amongst the most popular attachments.
Diesel forklift trucks are better suited to use of hydraulic attachments because the batteries of electric forklift trucks are drained faster when using attachments.
What kind of service and maintenance will your Forklift truck need?
Both internal combustion and electric Mitsubishi Forklifts need to be serviced every 500 hours. Minor services are every 500 hour interval and major services are every 1000 hour interval.
Should you buy a new or used Forklift truck?
Buying a new forklift truck will ensure you a 12 month or 2000 hour warranty. In addition, Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks offers an extended powertrain warranty which will provide you with a 36 month or 5000 hour powertrain warranty. In the event that any of the powertrain components (engine, transmission, front & rear axles, mast etc.) are found to be defective and fail, they will be replaced with genuine parts.
If you decide to rather opt for a used or second hand forklift truck, we do have a range of used units on offer. Our used forklift trucks are worked on by qualified technicians using genuine parts. They are also sold complete with a warranty which covers major parts such as the engine, transmission, axle and the differential.
Let us help you make the right decision by listening to your needs and providing you with the best information and service.
An alternative solution would be to go for a forklift hire option. Masslift will gladly assist you make the right choice for your business.
Contact Mitsubishi Forklifts now.
