Forklifts are an essential element in any type of industry. Businesses choose to buy forklift trucks for three main reasons. They invest in forklifts when setting up operations for the very first time. They also consider purchasing forklifts if they want to support growth by adding more units to their existing fleet. They also choose to buy equipment when they’re planning to upgrade their old forklift models.

 

You are faced with a lot of options when it comes to buying forklifts. In addition to the numerous brands and types of forklifts that are available, you can also choose whether to buy new or used units. You also have the choice to hire a forklift for your needs. But how do you choose which one is best for your business?

 

Read on to learn more about the different types of forklifts, including the things you should keep in mind when purchasing one.

 

Factors to Consider: Your Needs and Your Budget

 

Before you hit the search bar or browse through the catalogues, you need to know the kind of forklift that you need and how much you’re willing to spend. It’s all right to not have specific brands or models on your mind – our expert team can assist you in making the right choice if you’re unsure. Take a look at the following things before you buy forklifts:

 

  • Working Environment - Will the forklift be used in an indoor or outdoor setting? Are your operations are carried out in warehouses and indoor areas? If so, then it’s  might be best to buy electric forklift trucks. These machines are low noise and do not emit toxic fumes. Keep in mind your warehouse’s ceiling height and aisle size. Some forklifts are also designed for outdoor use, commonly used in the construction and mining industries. These forklifts are usually diesel-powered and can easily operate in rough terrain conditions.

 

  • Project Needs – Knowing the tasks and functions that you need your forklift to perform can help you decide on its type, size, and capacity. Do you need to buy forklift for moving and lifting heavy loads? Or do you need a forklift that can help you transport pallets within short distances? You should also consider if you are purchasing a forklift to complete a one-time task or to meet recurring project demands.

 

  • Budget Constraints - Consider the original investment cost, the cost of fuel, storage, maintenance, upgrades, and annual servicing as part of your budget. This will eventually help you decide whether buying a new or used forklift is ideal for you.

 

Different Types of Forklifts

As a business owner, there are different types of forklift trucks to assist you in completing a variety of functions. Fork Force carries a wide range of forklift types that can be tailored to your needs. Here are the options available for you when you buy forklift trucks:

 

  • Battery or Engine Counterbalance – A counterbalance is a forklift that is commonly used in a variety of material-handling industries. Its counterweight makes it safe and easy to transport heavy loads. A battery counterbalance is an electric forklift, powered by either a lead-acid or lithium-ion battery. Engine counterbalance forklifts come in diesel, LPG, or dual-fuel, which make them ideal for outdoor use or well ventilated indoor applications.

 

Our new Enforcer battery counterbalance forklifts are available in 1.63- to 2.516-ton capacities. If you’re on the hunt you prefer to buy second-hand forklifts, we also carry well-known brands of used forklifts with capacities ranging from 1.3- to 23.5 tons for electric and 0.91.5- to 48.5 tons for diesel engine forklifts.

 

  • Container Mast Forklift – Do you need to buy a new forklift or a used one that can fit in height-restricted areas? A container mast forklift is a powerful, versatile machine that can lift both inside and outside cramp spaces, such as a shipping container. The only trade-off here is that the forklift’s central ram and hydraulics can limit the operator’s forward visibility. Fork Force has a wide range of new and used container mast forklifts from brands such as Enforcer, Nissan, Hyster, Jungheinrich, Mitsubishi, Toyota and many more.

 

  • Lithium Forklift – Lithium-ion batteries are energy efficient and provide electric forklifts with long-lasting power and a greater lifespan when compared to lead acid. Charging times are significantly shorter, and the batteries are virtually maintenance-free. In addition, lithium-ion batteries provide better uptime availability as they can utilise breaks for opportunity charging. If you’re in the market to buy electric forklift, consider a lithium-powered one for maximum productivity.

 

Fork Force’s new Enforcer Lithium Forklifts are available in different types, including work-assist vehicles, electric pallet trucks, and even rough-terrain forklifts. 

 

  • Narrow Aisle Forklift – Narrow aisle forklifts are designed to function in small spaces (typically between 1,500 and 1,800 mm). Our new Enforcer Narrow Aisle Battery Electric forklift has a lift capacity of starting from 2 tons and a lift height of 7.65 metres.

 

  • Power Pallet Truck – Electric power pallet trucks are used to lift and move heavy, stacked pallets over greater distances. Power pallet trucks are primarily utilised for horizontal pallet-load transfer, making them excellent for spacious areas and warehouses.

 

  • Reach Truck – Reach trucks are utilised in tight spaces, such as great for narrow aisle/high bay storage warehouses applications. They are designed with two exterior legs that aid in load distribution and a single set of wheels beneath the operator for a reduced turn radius. Due to their unique and compact design, a reach truck offers a 35% reduction in turning radius compared to a traditional counterbalance forklift.

 

  • Rough Terrain Forklift – These forklifts are designed to transport items over rocky, steep, or unstable terrain. Rough terrain forklifts are typically diesel-powered to deliver more control and muscle in harsh environments. However, electric-powered rough terrain forklifts are also available, such as the new Enforcer 2.5-ton lithium-ion forklift. Our extensive selection of new and used rough-terrain equipment are available in capacities of 1.5 tons to 5 tons when you choose to buy diesel forklift.

 

  • Side Loader Forklift – When you need to buy forklift to transport lengthy, bulky materials, the side loader forklift is the perfect addition to your fleet. The operator's cab is located on the front-left side, while the bed or platform where the material can be loaded is located on the right side.

 

  • Stock Picker/Order Picker – For businesses aligned with shipping and distribution, a stock picker can help in picking and delivering goods required to satisfy orders. They are designed to safely transport the forklift operator along the rack with or without a load. Are specialised  materials handling equipment that facilitates stock retrieval and put away. These types machines are available in low level – for picking from ground level. Mid level Mid-level – up to a height of 3m and High level – for pick up to a height of 7.5m

 

  • Sweeper – A sweeper is a special type of forklift that allows you to collect dust and waste materials in your warehouses, outdoor job sites, and material storage boxes efficiently and affordably. While some sweepers come as a ride-on unit, modern sweepers can be attached to forklifts mechanically.

 

  • Telehandler – A telehandler is a versatile forklift that can lift, move, and place objects with ease. It is basically a combination of a forklift and a crane. A telehandler can also be equipped with attachments such as pallet forks, muck grab, or a bucket. This allows a telehandler to be used for a variety of applications and rough terrain.

 

 

  • Walkie Stacker – This is a walk-behind or ride-on forklift that is equipped with a mast for lifting pallets. It is an ideal solution for confined locations where a regular forklift will not fit, or for low volume applications. The operator usually walks behind the stacker when loading or transporting materials. In a ride-on walkie stacker, the operator stands on the machine while moving pallets.

 

  • Walkie Reach Stacker – Although it is quite similar to a walkie stacker, a walkie reach stacker is equipped with a pantographic scissor or moving mast that can move loads forward. It is commonly used in handling materials within trailers, utility vehicles, and trucks.

 

Buying Used Forklifts

Purchasing a used forklift is a strategic way to keep your costs down. In some instances, it is better to buy used forklift compared to a new one, especially when you have budget constraints. Used forklift price points can be as much as half of a new one. The important thing to remember when purchasing used forklifts is to carefully inspect the unit and its service record. It’s also important to purchase used forklifts from a trusted dealership.

 

BuyForklifts.com.au site has been prepared by Forklift Network Pty Ltd ABN 71 164 729 417. The group of companies has been providing forklift solutions for over 20 years in Perth, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and all throughout Australia. Browse through our extensive catalogue of new and used forklifts, and contact us for a FREE quote. Our professional team is always ready to help select the best forklift for your business.