Forklift Buying Guide

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What is Material-handling Equipment?

Your little helper when it comes to the movement of goods efficiently from one location to another.

Commonly found in warehouses, workshops and plants, sometimes even spotted outdoors and in open areas.

How can I boost business productivity with MHE?

It's simple. It all boils down to what your business really needs.
There are different types of equipment catered to a variety of applications and specific situations, maximizing efficiency all around.

To help narrow down your search, here are the various categories of forklifts:

Order Pickers
Commonly known as stock pickers or man-up forklifts. Drivers will stand on the elevating platform along with the forks, so they will be able to rise with the forklift to select a load. Suitable for use in tight, narrow spaces.

Pallet Trucks
Pallet Trucks, or more commonly known as Pallet Jack Pump Trucks, are designed and built to lift and move pallets.

Reach Trucks
Also known as narrow-sales forklifts, they are designed to shift goods in narrow aisles & compact warehouses, racking pellets on smooth surfaces.

Test drive
Similar to buying a car, the best way to experience it is to go for a test drive. Only through it will you be able to get a sense of what it feels like to operate a forklift.

Credibility
Always purchase from a reputable dealer for a peace of mind. Unlike cars, it can be troublesome when it comes to the maintenance of your equipment as workshops are not as readily available as compared to servicing cars.

Warranty
It is mandatory to have a warranty on the product to ensure that it is running efficiently, saving on a large amount of money on repairs over time.

Frequency of forklift usage
It is important to know how often you require a forklift. If you only require it for a certain period, then you might want to consider renting a forklift instead for that short duration. That way, you'll only be spending what's necessary.

Safety of the forklift
Safety should be your number one priority. Be sure to inspect the seat belt, horn, lights and tires before buying or leasing.

Availability
Depending on how urgent you need the forklift, you may consider buying a used forklift or renting one for immediate stock availability.

Should I buy new or old forklifts?

The latest model of a forklift will definitely be better equipped in terms of its specifications and fuel efficiency than its previous models, which will be useful in the long run. However, purchasing a newer model of forklift will cost more than the older models.

The difference between a new and an old forklift is that the new forklift is better equipped in terms of its specification and fuel efficiency. However, a new one will cost more than the older model.

When it comes to a used forklift, it is best to purchase from an authorised dealer. This way, you'll be sure of its capabilities and that it is fully functional.

Although it is relatively cheaper, depending on the age of the equipment, maintenance & service costs will be higher when compared to brand-new forklifts.

It boils down to what is most suitable for your situation. The choice is yours.

What if I require a forklift for short term usage?

For businesses who require a forklift for short term usage, you can consider leasing instead of buying.

We offer cost-effective leasing options that allow you to rent forklifts for a day or even up to five years.

What type of fuel is best for forklifts?

Every forklift has a specific type of power source it uses to run. Each power source has its own advantages and disadvantages. The type of power source will depend on your specific application. Please refer to the table below for more information.

Type Advantage Disadvantage Applications
Diesel - Low fuel cost - High initial cost
- Exhaust emission and noisy
- For open area
Gasoline/LPG engine - Low initial cost
- Easy maintenance
- High fuel cost - For enclosed and open area
Electric - Low maintenance cost
- Less vibration
- Low noise
- High initial cost
- Long charging time
- For enclosed area and food industries