How to Pick a Forklift

Forklifts are heavy machinery with which you can lift large items onto shelves. You can use forklifts in a warehouse or on a farm if you need to move heavy items that you would not be able to otherwise move. Forklifts are often expensive, and you need to make an informed decision before choosing one. Consider the forklift's price, size, the weight it can lift and a several other aspects before you pick a forklift.

Instructions

1

Determine your budget. Choose a forklift that will fit in your budget. Do not overstretch you budget.

2

Check the surface of the floor where you plan to use the forklift. Choose tires according to floor conditions. Choose cushion tires for indoor use and pneumatic tires for outdoor use.

3

Determine whether you want to use the battery indoors or outdoors. If you want to use your forklift outdoors choose a non-battery operated forklift with a roof and windshield.

4

Choose a forklift with high ground clearance if your driving will be over roads with bumps and potholes.

5

Choose an LPG gas-operated forklift if you plan to combine your forklift use indoors and outdoors as well. Diesel and gasoline-operated forklifts cannot be used indoors.

6

Check the height of the shelves onto which you want to load goods using a forklift. Pick a forklift that is capable of lifting items over the height of your shelves (see ref 1).

7

Determine how heavy the items are which you will want to lift with a forklift. Pick a forklift that will be capable of lifting your heavy items. Ask a salesman in store for weight specifications at the time of buying a forklift.

8

Check the height of doors and doorways in your warehouse or farm. Pick a forklift that is lower that the lowest clearance door through which you want to drive your forklift.