Choosing the right forklift for your warehouse can be a daunting task. Forklifts come in many different designs and capacities for specific applications. You need to make sure the forklift you are considering is the right one for your operation. 
The type of material your company handles 
When you purchase forklifts in Melbourne, the type of material you handle will help decide which kind of forklift you will require. If you are primarily moving pallets with some bulk product, then a 6,000 lb capacity sit-down counterbalanced lift may be perfect for you. If you need to move pallets and some heavy bulk product, a rough terrain forklift may be more suitable. However, if you only move loads that weigh less than 1,000 lbs a stand-up reach truck may be ideal for your warehouse. 
1. Your warehouse layout 
The layout of your warehouse will determine what class of forklift will work best. For example, if you have narrow aisles or low ceilings, then a narrow aisle or very narrow aisle (VNA) turret truck would work well with your warehouse layout. If you store products on racks, then consider a VNA truck with a rail attachment that can travel up and down the rails on the racks. 
2. Age and History 
When looking for your next forklift, age and history are going to be two big considerations when making your purchase. How old is the machine? How many hours does it have? These are both questions that should be answered before even considering purchasing a used machine. 
While older machines might be cheaper on paper, they might not be worth it in the long run. 
3. Forklift type 
One of the first things you will want to consider is what type of forklift you need. The three main types include electric, pneumatic tire and internal combustion (IC) engine forklifts. Forklifts with electric engines are great for indoor use because they are more environmentally friendly than IC engine forklifts. Pneumatic tire forklifts can handle most general purposes, but if you need to drive the forklift on uneven terrain outside, IC engine forklifts are more suitable for this job. 
4. How much power you need?  
Next, determine how much power you’ll need from your lift. You don’t want too little power, which could make things like lifting heavy loads difficult or even dangerous. However, you also don’t want too much power, as larger lifts are generally more expensive than smaller ones. Electric lifts are typically recommended because they offer more power than gas-powered lifts but cost less overall due to their low maintenance costs and increased efficiency. 
5. Fuel Type 
Forklifts can be powered by gasoline, diesel, propane or electricity. A gasoline-powered forklift works best for outdoor use when there is plenty of ventilation. Diesel and propane forklifts are ideal for indoor use where there is no ventilation or in cold temperatures. Electric forklifts are great for indoor use and are becoming increasingly popular for outdoor use as well. Because electric models produce no emissions, there is no need for additional ventilation either indoors or outdoors. This will help reduce operating costs over time. 
6. Daily Tasks 
You need to consider your daily tasks before purchasing a forklift. Consider all the tasks that you will be doing daily with the vehicle. This makes it easy for you to determine whether you want a new or used forklift. If you are planning on using the vehicle every day, then a new one is ideal because it will last longer and perform better than a used one. If you do not intend on using the vehicle often, then a used one will be better suited for your needs. 
7. Environment 
The environment that you work in also matters when choosing forklifts. This will help you determine what type of vehicle will be best suited for your needs. Electric powered forklifts are perfect for indoor use because they do not emit any fumes into the air.