

Not buying from a dependable dealer: Buy your forklift from a reputable dealer who can perform emergency and general maintenance when you need it.Not trying before you buy: Once you’ve decided the make and model of the forklift you want, rent one to try it out in your actual work conditions.There are many other important factors to consider before buying a forklift, and up front price is only one of them. Buying on price alone: Don’t be tempted to buy the cheapest forklift that meets your minimum capacity requirements.But have you ever wondered why somebody didn’t warn you when you were about to make a misstep you can’t get back? Here are some common mistakes many first-time forklift buyers make. There’s a great deal of information about what you should do when in your search for the best forklift for your unique operations. To help you get started, check out the Toyota 360 Support Promise.

You’re choosing a dealer that will be your material handling partner for years. You may find a lesser known brand and a cheaper up-front price, but how easy will it be to get replacement parts when your forklift breaks down? And, why are they lesser known and cheaper? Visit the dealership and ask about the skill level of the technicians. You’ll need to assess brands and dealers, in addition to forklifts. The thing about capital investments? You’ll have a much better ROI when you have a dedicated partner who can help you with all your material handling needs throughout your ownership, rather than someone who is just going to sell you a forklift.Safety is key to success, so make sure you select the brand with the best standard safety features (like Toyota’s System of Active Stability). You’ll need to consider the requirements of your people and your operation. Do you have an operator with a bad back? Consider the brand with the best ergonomics.Factoring in maintenance costs, it will serve you better in the long run. used forklift. As a general rule of thumb, if you think you’ll run a forklift more than four hours a day, consider a new forklift. You’ll need to decide if you want a new vs.Do you have properly trained operators? This is an OSHA requirement.Are there any specific options or accessories you will need?.How many hours will the forklift be in use per day?.Where will the forklift primarily be used – indoors or outdoors?.If you don’t know the answers, your local Toyota dealer can help you get the answers with a site survey. You can use this list to help you get started. That means you’ll need to take time to audit your operation. You’ll need to know your requirements. As you navigate the wide range of products available to in the material handling market, the first thing you’ll need to know is what you’re trying to accomplish.Here are some things to expect as you go to buy a forklift. The best forklift (which is always the right forklift for your unique operation) can help you save money, increase productivity, and decrease your overall downtime. But the wrong forklift can become just another cost center. Buying a forklift is a big investment and it can provide a large ROI for your business.
