Buyer’s Guide

Forklift Usage

Before you start looking for a machine one of the main criteria is usage. There is no point in buying the lowest cost used machine if you are using the machine a lot or buying a new machine if you are hardly using the machine at all. Before we supply you with any product you will have to go through a questionnaire or site survey to make sure the truck is suitable. Here is our guide as to how you should choose a forklift based upon the hours you are using the machine for ;

1-2 hours – Used machine

2-5 hours – New Budget Spec Samuk machine

5 hours plus – New Premium Yale machine

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    Buy Forklifts

    ELECTRIC FORKLIFTS 90% INSIDE 10% OUTSIDE

    Plus points:

    • No emissions
    • Quiet
    • Low fuel costs
    • Replaceable, rechargeable batteries
    • No storage required for gas or diesel fuel
    • Low cost of operation
    • Lithium Ion Options Available

    Negative points :

    • Minimal outdoor use
    • Needs a smooth, flat surface
    • More expensive to buy than gas or diesel
    • Battery charging area required
    • Batteries need 8 – 12 hours to charge
    • Batteries expensive to replace

    Gas forklifts - 50% inside 50% outside

    Plus points:

    • Can be used outside and inside
    • Low cost of purchase
    • Quick to refuel
    • High load capacity
    • Powerful

    Negative points :

    • Emissions
    • High cost of gas
    • Storage of gas bottles
    • Higher operating cost
    • Not for continuous indoor use

    Counterbalance diesel forklifts 90% outside 10% inside

    Plus points :

    • Outdoor use
    • Less expensive to purchase
    • Quick to refuel
    • High load capacity
    • Rugged and powerful

    Negative points :

    • Emissions
    • High fuel cost
    • Storage for fuel
    • Higher operating cost
    • Not for use indoor
    • Noisy
    • Stage V Emissions Regulations in 2021

    Pallet trucks - 100% inside

    Plus Points:

    • Inexpensive to acquire
    • No emissions
    • Very easy to operate
    • Compact

    Negative Points :

    • Low lift height – just enough to pick a pallet off the floor
    • Specific to certain pallet types

    Reach trucks 90% inside 10% outside

    Plus points:

    • Low running costs
    • No emissions
    • Good in narrow aisles
    • High lift height
    • Good capacity at height

    Negative Points :

    • Expensive to acquire
    • Mainly Indoor use only
    • Requires an 8-hour charging time
    • Need a flat concrete or tarmac surface