You’ve done it. You’ve made the choice to invest in a forklift or even a fleet of forklifts to make your life in the warehouse easier! This is something that can significantly impact your operational efficiency and overall productivity, as well as that of your team.
With the many forklift options available, figuring out which forklift to buy can feel intimidating. But it doesn’t have to be tricky. In this guide, we’re putting together the very best advice from our team. Using the practical tips and insights here, you’ll soon have all the knowledge you need to make an informed decision when investing in a warehouse forklift for sale.
Assess Your Warehouse Needs
First things first, you have to understand what you need before you can start to compare your forklift options. Step one is to take a comprehensive look at your warehouse, categorising your needs as well as possible.
When in doubt, start with the physical details of your facility. How big is it? How are your storage racks laid out? What types of materials do you and your team handle on a daily basis? Then, dig deeper. How does your team work? What efficiencies are you looking for?
Understanding your specific requirements will help you narrow down the options. This approach will allow you to dig deeper into a specific forklift model rather than broadly looking at the choices on the surface level.
Determine Load Capacity Requirements
Determining your load capacity requirements deserves a special shout-out. After all, forklifts are all about lifting and moving your materials, so understanding their load capacity is a big part of finding the right model.
This is a critical factor when selecting a warehouse forklift for sale. Start by assessing the heaviest loads your forklift will need to handle day to day. Make sure to factor in the additional load brought about by any growth you’re anticipating in your business.
Forklifts come in many different load capacities and many different types. Making the right choice will ensure you operate with as much efficiency as possible while balancing your immediate budgetary needs.
Consider the Height of Your Warehouse
The height of your storage racks will play a pivotal role in determining the type of forklift that’s best for your warehouse. There are some forklifts designed specifically for tall, narrow rows of storage, while others are designed to handle only short racks. Choosing the wrong kind can have a negative impact on your warehouse’s productivity, hindering any future growth.
If you anticipate adopting taller storage racks as the year goes on, or if you’re working with a high-density storage system, a taller model might be right for you.
Choose the Right Forklift Type
Speaking of which, choosing the right forklift type is important. There are many forklift types, and each one is designed for a specific application. Let’s review a couple of the most common ones we have in our range of warehouse forklifts for sale.
·    Counterbalance Forklifts. Ideal for general warehouse use. Usually available in electric, diesel, and propane options.
·    Reach Trucks. Designed specifically for narrow, tall aisles with high stacking. Suitable for warehouses using high-density storage systems or those with limited space.
·    Order Pickers. Ideal for order fulfilment or picking individual items from high shelves, these can be operated by individuals or teams.
·    Pallet Jacks. Useful for individual pedestrian pickers and packers, allows you to move palletised loads over short distances.
Generally speaking, understanding the unique features of each forklift type will allow you to make the best possible decision. When and where possible, it’s also best to stock your fleet with a few different options that will help you in niche use cases.
Evaluate Your Fuel Options
Like other vehicles, forklifts are powered by various fuels. The most common options are electric, diesel, and propane, though there are also natural gas varieties. Your fuel type should depend on factors such as indoor and outdoor use, emission regulations, or even the core values your business holds.
If sustainability is a focus, electric forklifts for sale are an excellent option. On the other hand, propane and diesel options are sometimes preferable if you need outdoor mobility.
Consider the Total Cost of Ownership
Finally, purchasing a forklift or a fleet is a large one-off cost. Owning forklifts comes with maintenance requirements and the need for storage, both of which contribute to the total cost of ownership for any forklift model.
Depending on the model, you might need to factor in the cost of charger installations or ongoing battery purchases for electric forklifts. The total cost of ownership for diesel or propane forklifts will also include filling up these forklifts regularly.
Before buying, make sure to incorporate these ongoing costs into your decision, as they will fluctuate from model to model.
Browse new and used warehouse forklifts for sale with NFL Forklifts.
Ready for tailored solutions? Here at NFL Forklifts, we understand the importance of moving quickly, and that means making the right call when buying a forklift. Contact us for expert guidance in choosing the right forklift for your warehouse.