Questions to Ask When Buying a Forklift

There’s actually no single “best” power source — the optimal choice depends heavily on your specific application. Let’s break down the common options:

Internal Combustion (IC)
Powerful and well-suited to heavy lifting, this style uses familiar technology and readily available fuels (propane, diesel, gasoline). It’s suitable for both indoor and outdoor use (with proper ventilation).

However, IC engines produce exhaust emissions, are generally louder and typically have higher fuel and maintenance costs over their lifespan, compared to electric forklifts.

Electric
Zero emissions and quiet operation make this model ideal for indoor applications, lowers maintenance costs long-term and offers the potential for energy savings.

Electric forklifts are limited by their battery charge length, require dedicated charging stations and potential downtime for charging, and might be less powerful than IC when handling very heavy loads.

​Hydrogen Fuel Cell
Zero emissions and faster refueling than electric (more like familiar combustion engine refuels), fuel cell forklifts run longer than traditional electric batteries and can excel in high-demand operations where downtime is a major concern.

However, these are newer technologies, with less infrastructure availability in many areas. Fuel cells can also be more expensive than other options and harder to find.
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Do you have strict indoor air quality regulations or sustainability goals? Electric or hydrogen will likely excel in that case.

Do you frequently work with very heavy loads? IC may be best. If you need long, continuous operation with minimal downtime, hydrogen could be advantageous.

Initial purchase prices can vary widely, and be sure to factor in long-term operating costs like fuel, electricity, and maintenance when you’re budgeting for this expense.

Do you have, or can you supply, charging capabilities for electric units? Can you safely set up an on-site hydrogen refueling station?

We highly recommend you consult with an experienced forklift dealer, who can assess your operational needs and suggest the most cost-effective and efficient power source for your specific situation.

Choosing a forklift with the right capacity is crucial for safety and efficiency. Here’s why, along with some additional points to consider:

Safety First. Overloading a forklift drastically increases the risk of tip-overs, load drops, and serious injuries. Never push a forklift beyond its designed limits.

Rated Capacity. This is the maximum weight a forklift can safely lift at a specified load center (which we’ll discuss next). Find this on the forklift’s data plate.

The standard load center is typically 24 inches. This is the distance from the front face of the forks to the load’s center of gravity. Exceeding this distance decreases the safe lifting capacity.

Safety Margin. Don’t just match your heaviest load to the rated capacity. Always choose a forklift with extra capacity to accommodate variances in load distribution and potential unexpected situations.

A forklift’s capacity typically decreases as you lift higher. Refer to the data plate for the capacity chart at different lift heights. Large, bulky loads, even if relatively light, can create stability issues. The shape and size of the load matter too.

Adding attachments (clamps, sideshifters, etc.) reduces the effective lifting capacity of a forklift, so factor this in. If you anticipate handling heavier or differently shaped loads in the future, factor this into your decision — make sure your purchase can grow with your business.

Remember: Safety always comes first. Consult with a forklift expert to thoroughly analyze your load requirements and ensure you select a forklift with appropriate capacity and safety features.
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Understanding your lift height needs is essential for safety and optimizing your warehouse or worksite layout. Let’s expand on this:

The Basics
Determine the absolute maximum height you need to lift and stack your loads. Is this for warehouse racking, loading trucks, or other purposes?

Ensure the forklift you choose can comfortably reach this height with a margin of safety.

Mast Types
There are three major types of forklift mast, each for different tasks.

• Standard (Simplex): Simple, one-stage mast with limited lift height.
• Two-Stage (Duplex): Offers a higher lift height through an additional, extendable mast section. Common for indoor use with basic stacking needs.
• Three-Stage (Triplex): Provides even greater lift height for high-reach applications, typical in warehouses with tall racking.

Additional Considerations
Low doorways, ceilings, or other obstacles in your facility will impact your mast choice. Be sure the mast, even when lowered, fits within your workspace.

Forklifts become less stable as loads are lifted higher. Make sure your chosen forklift’s stability remains sufficient at its maximum lift height.

Some masts offer “free lift”, which means the forks can lift a certain height before the entire mast structure starts extending. This is vital for loading in spaces with tight overhead clearance.

Remember to thoroughly measure your facility’s heights, and plan your stacking strategies, before choosing a mast type. Choosing a higher mast than needed can make the forklift less stable and potentially more expensive. Consulting with a forklift dealer can help you find the perfect balance between lift height capability and the specific mast type that suits your needs and your workspace.

Choosing the right tire plays a huge role in forklift performance, longevity, and safety. Here’s a breakdown of the main factors:

Indoor vs. Outdoor
Indoor: Warehouses, factories, and other spaces with smooth concrete floors are ideal for cushion tires. These tires have solid rubber construction, a smaller turn radius, superior maneuverability in tighter spaces and a longer lifespan due to less wear on smooth surfaces. However, they lack the shock absorption you may need on uneven ground.

Outdoor: Docks, construction sites, or any unpaved area generally require pneumatic tires. Air-filled like a car tire, with deeper tread patterns for traction on gravel and dirt, they offer better that shock absorption for uneven surfaces. They also come in both standard air-filled and solid pneumatic options (solid rubber, but still with better shock absorption than cushion tires).

Terrain Analysis
Think carefully about the kind of surfaces you’ll be forklifting on.

• Surface Material: Smooth concrete, rough asphalt, dirt, gravel? Even mud? Every surface has different traction and wear considerations.
• Ground Grade: Is the ground flat, or are there inclines and declines the forklift must handle? This greatly impacts stability and traction needs.
• Obstacles: Potholes, debris, or other items can puncture pneumatic tires or cause stability issues.
• Weather: Rain, snow, and ice significantly impact traction and tire performance.

We highly recommend you consult with a knowledgeable tire specialist or forklift dealer like those at 4K Lift. They can help you match the perfect tires to your specific environment, maximizing safety and minimizing wear and tear.
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Evaluate what types of loads you’ll specifically be handling. Do they require more than just standard pallet forks?

Specialized attachments reduce the forklift’s effective lifting capacity, so factor this in. Consider also that these attachments add to the upfront cost of your purchase and will likely require additional hydraulic connections on the forklift.

• Side Shifters: Allow for lateral adjustment of the forks, ideal for precise load placement without repositioning the entire forklift.
• Drum Handlers: Securely grip and manipulate drums and barrels.
• Carton Clamps: Designed to handle boxes and other goods without the need for pallets.
• Rotators: Rotate loads for dumping or repositioning.

A wide range of attachments are available for specific industries and tasks. These are just a sampling of some of the most common.
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First: Safety is Non-Negotiable. Forklift accidents can be severe. Never skimp on features that protect your operators and those around them.

Key Safety Features:

• Overhead Guard: Robust protection from falling objects.
• Load Backrest: Prevents loads from shifting backward toward the operator.
• Seatbelt: Keeps the operator securely in their seat during a tip-over incident.
• Lights and Horn: Essential for visibility and pedestrian awareness, especially in busy facilities.
• Backup Alarm: Alerts others when the forklift is reversing.
• Operator Presence Systems: Can automatically disable the forklift if the operator isn’t in the seat.
• Proximity Sensors: Detect obstacles and help prevent collisions.

Compliance: Be sure the forklift meets any industry-specific regulations or OSHA requirements.

Buying a forklift is an important investment. Doing your homework and asking the right questions upfront will prevent costly mistakes. Choosing a reliable supplier who offers ongoing support and post-purchase service is just as essential as the forklift itself.

Ready to explore forklift solutions that perfectly align with your business? Contact the experts at 4K Lifts today! We’ll help guide you through the selection process, so you can be sure you’re choosing the best forklift to boost your bottom line. Let us help you make the best choice!