How do I choose the right electric forklift?

Have you decided to purchase an electric forklift? There is a wide range of products on the market, and it can be a daunting task to find the right model for your needs. However, a few tips can help you make the choice that best meets your business goals, including safety, productivity and effective cost management. If we start, we need to choose a place where we will buy, the best choice would be https://forkliftonline.com/, here you can find an electric forklift that will suit all your needs. And if you want to be sure that you have taken into account all the aspects, then here are the main points that will help you make the right choice.

1. What exactly do I need to lift and to what height?

Lifting capacity and lifting height are the most important characteristics to consider.

• Rated load capacity: This and the load centre determine what loads can be lifted and transported.
• Lift height: Electric forklifts can lift loads up to 7 metres high, and the lifting capacity ranges from 1 to 8 tonnes.
• Different mast models: It is important to consider the different mast heights and their residual lifting capacity at a particular height.
• Obstructions: Ensure that the height of doors, gates, closed mast and overhead fences will not be an obstacle.

2. What kind of environment will the forklift operate in?

Electric forklifts can be used indoors or outdoors. However, it is important to consider the following factors:

• 4-wheel chassis: Provides stability and comfort when working on uneven floors.
• 3-wheeled models: More manoeuvrable, suitable for working in narrow aisles or confined spaces.

3. What is the intensity of use of my forklift?

The intensity of your forklift’s operation affects the choice of batteries.

• Lead-acid batteries: Take time to charge, which can affect performance in two- or three-shift operation.
• Lithium-ion batteries: Allows for frequent intermediate short charges during breaks, providing high performance over multiple shifts.

4. What will it cost?

When choosing a forklift, it’s important to consider not only the initial cost of purchasing it, but also the total cost of ownership:

• Maintenance and energy costs.
• Energy efficiency: Affects operating costs.
• Battery technology: Lithium-ion batteries are a more efficient but also more expensive option.
• Service network and access to spare parts.

Alternative to purchase: If buying a new forklift is too costly, you can consider purchasing used equipment, which will help save you money and, if you choose the right one, will also reward you with a quality unit.

Conclusion

Choosing an electric forklift is a responsible process that requires analysing your needs, working conditions, intensity of use, battery technology, and many other factors. By taking all these things into account, you will be able to choose the model that best suits your needs. But by making the right choice, you can get a good workhorse for your warehouse that will turn your daily routine into a simple and efficient automated process.