Forklifts are critical for all manufacturing and warehousing functions. This indispensable machine’s first model was built in the United States by a company called Clark in 1917.

1. What you need to know before
buying a Forklift

2. Introduction
• Forklifts are critical for all manufacturing and warehousing
functions. This indispensable machine’s first model was built in the
United States by a company called Clark in 1917.
• The ‘Tructractor’, as it was named then, was used to haul materials
between different departments of Clark’s axle plant.
• The practicality of the machine gained popularity for the next few
years, and many companies started to invent and manufacture
variations of the lift truck.
• Production increased after the introduction of the standardized
pallet in 1930. The World War II further increased demand, and by
the end of the war, lift trucks had spread to Europe too.

3. • Today, an efficient forklift is necessary in most
industries for smooth operations.
• Choosing the right forklift for your material
handling needs is vital.
• It needs to be as productive as possible, while
keeping in mind the cost-effectiveness, employee
skills and training, frequency of usage etc.
• To make the best decision, always consider the
following points before making a purchase:

4. • Daily usage of the machine: Before purchasing a
machine, it is important to assess your operating
hours and costs to decide whether you need one.
• Some manufacturers prefer to rent forklifts as it
saves them from paying for repair and upkeep.
• However, if you use a forklift for more than four
hours a day, it is cost-effective to purchase one.

5. • Environment of operation: The type of tires and the
fuel source of a forklift differ according to its
environment of operation.
• If your machine is going to be used outdoors, it will
have to be equipped to deal with uneven surfaces.
• In that case, opt for a machine with pneumatic tires, or
rough-terrain tires for especially unstable ground.
Forklifts with internal combustion engines are best for
outdoor work.
• For machines used indoors, cushion tires are the best
fit. Electric forklifts produce no emissions and make no
noise, making them ideal for indoor use.

6. • Type of Load: The size and weight of the
materials to be carried by the forklift is a very
important factor to consider before purchase
is made. The average load to be carried, the
size of the materials, how high they need to
be lifted- different forklifts are equipped with
different capacities for each of these
functionalities. Different attachments (such as
a weighing scale) can be added to your forklift
according to specific needs.

7. • Movement and Maneuverability: Warehouse height
and aisle width need to be taken into account when
choosing a forklift.
• For stacking purposes, a forklift with a compact design
and stable legs will be needed.
• Articulated forklifts are designed for very narrow
spaces.
• Other operating spaces may have sharp turns and will
require a tight-turn radius to navigate in small spaces.
• There are many attachments available for specific
movement needs.

8. • Comfort and Safety: Operating a forklift can
mean sitting for hours at a time.
• Investing in a machine that pays attention to
comfort and functionality for user can have a
great impact on employee productivity and
morale.
• It will also lessen the likelihood of injuries and
reduce the physical strain on the operator.

9. • The average lifespan of a forklift, depending on
the quality of the machine, can be anywhere
between 10,000-20,000 hours. Hence, it is a long-
term investment that must be not be made
lightly.
• The right choice can have marked effects on
efficiency and output. To ensure that a forklift
functions well for a long time, one must choose
an appropriate model and carry out proactive
maintenance.

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