Are you considering investing in a new forklift?
Here are some points to consider before placing your order.
When purchasing a new forklift, there are several factors to consider. Here, we have compiled a list of the most important points you should think about and take into account.
What is the driving area like?
How large and how heavy do you need to lift?
How high do you need to lift?
Is there a need for additional customization and equipment?
Map out the driving area
It’s important to thoroughly map out the driving area you will be using. What does the area look like? Are there pipes, sprinklers, or other elements hanging down from the ceiling, gates, or narrower entrances? All of these are factors to consider when purchasing a forklift to avoid unwelcome surprises after the purchase.
For example, if you have a forklift with a lifting height of 2 meters, and the room you need to lift in has limited ceiling height, it’s important to determine how high you need to lift in the specific room, and whether you might need a mast with free lift.
What kind of surface will the forklift be driven on? Is it concrete, gravel, tiles, or rough terrain? This is crucial to ensure you get tires that are optimal for the usage. The most common types are solid tires, pneumatic tires, and off-road tires. In some cases, off-road forklifts may be necessary. There might also be a need for tire chains.
It’s also important to consider the environments the forklift will operate in. If, for example, the forklift will operate on a dock or in a wet warehouse, it’s essential to ensure that the forklift is treated and protected to prevent premature damage and wear. Our forklifts specially designed for fisheries and aquaculture are highly popular in these situations.
Examine these points in your area before investing in a forklift:
- Ceiling
- Surface
- Aisle width
- Gates and doors
- Ramps and/or depressions in the floor
- Environment
Lifting height and lifting capacity
Lifting height and lifting capacity are naturally important considerations when investing in a forklift and are often the first things one thinks about. Be aware of how high the top pick-up point is and how the mast will be used. Will you be lifting very high, moderately high, just unloading from a truck, or simply transporting goods at ground level?
It’s important to know the weight and size of what you’ll be lifting. Have a clear understanding of how many kilograms the forklift needs to lift and calculate the load center. For example: A package weighing a maximum of 2500 kg with a top depth of 1000 mm yields a load center of 500 mm. Then a 2.5-ton forklift is suitable.
The most important thing is knowing how the forklift will be used. Then we can help you find the right machine and equipment for it.
Examine these points to determine the correct lifting height and lifting capacity for your forklift:
- Type of cargo
- Weight
- Size
Need for additional equipment or modifications?
Now that you’ve assembled all the basic elements of your forklift, it’s important to consider whether you need any additional modifications.
Are the racks you’re using deeper than usual? Will you be lifting more than just pallets?
Here are some pieces of equipment we often recommend to our customers:
View all equipmentAn overarching point that goes beyond the construction of the forklift but is equally important is, of course, economics. The forklift you purchase should be economically sound for the owner at the time of purchase, but it should also be economically viable throughout the forklift’s lifespan.
Our Hangcha forklifts are the best in their class on the market. They are simply built with a strong and robust construction. At the same time, all components used are from the best manufacturers on the market, for example, all our diesel forklifts are sold with Kubota engines, and all our electric forklifts come with Hoppecke batteries.










