When it comes to buying a counterbalance forklift truck, there are so many things to consider and with so much choice in today’s market, it’s essential to make an informed decision to ensure you choose a forklift that meets your business needs.
Factors to consider when buying a counterbalance forklift:
It’s important to approach the process of purchasing a counterbalance forklift strategically, considering not only the immediate needs of your business but also how the forklift will integrate into your long-term operational goals. By understanding the broader implications of your choice, you can ensure that your investment delivers consistent performance and value over time, helping your business stay competitive and efficient in a demanding market.
Work with a reputable provider
It is important to work with a manufacturer or provider with a reputation for providing quality, reliable trucks and good after-sales support. Look out for case studies and customer testimonials to assess the reputation of a forklift provider.
Maintenance and service support
Counterbalance forklifts, like any complex piece of machinery, require regular maintenance to keep them running smoothly. When purchasing a forklift, you should ensure your provider offers strong after-sales support, including:
- Warranties to cover potential issues after purchase
- National service support for regular maintenance and repairs
- Access to spare parts and fast repair services to minimise downtime
Having reliable service back up and easy access to spare parts will help ensure that your forklift operates optimally and safely throughout its lifespan.
Total cost of ownership
The initial purchase price is only one part of the cost of owning a forklift. The total cost of ownership (TCO) includes factors such as maintenance, fuel or energy costs, depreciation, and the cost of potential repairs. It’s always important to factor in long-term costs when evaluating the total expense of a forklift. Look at the entire lifespan of the forklift and how much it will cost to operate and maintain it over time.
Forklift technology and features
It is important to choose forklift trucks with a range of features and options that can enhance safety and efficiency in your operation. Ensuring that your workforce is safe when operating forklifts is a priority, so making sure the truck hosts a range of safety features as standard is essential.
Having access to a fleet management system such as I_Site is also worth considering. Telematics provides you with not only the ability to manage risk and safety in your material handling operation, but also provides you with everything you need to manage the efficiency of your fleet. Through these systems you can increase safety, efficiencies and reduce costs.
Here at Toyota, we have over 100 years experience in providing quality, reliable material handling solutions. Our Counterbalance forklifts are built with reliability and quality in mind and backed up by nationwide service coverage and access to spare parts.