What to Look for When
Purchasing New Forklifts for Your Business

Purchasing new forklifts for your business is a significant investment that can have long-term impacts on productivity, efficiency, and safety. Whether you're looking to expand your fleet or replace aged equipment, selecting the right forklift requires careful consideration.

With a variety of options available in the market, it’s important to understand the key features and specifications that can help you make the best decision. Here’s a guide on what to look for when purchasing new forklifts for your business.

Forklift Type and Application

The first step in choosing the right new forklift is identifying the type that best suits your business’s needs. Forklifts come in many shapes and sizes, each designed for specific tasks. The main types include:

Counterbalance Forklifts: Ideal for lifting and transporting loads in tight spaces, commonly used in warehouses.
Reach Trucks: Used for narrow aisle environments, great for stacking pallets in high racking systems.
Pallet Jacks: Suitable for moving smaller loads over short distances.
Rough Terrain Forklifts: Designed for outdoor environments and can handle uneven surfaces, ideal for construction sites or outdoor storage yards.

At ITG Machinery, we have a wide range of new forklift for different operational needs. If you need advice, feel free to reach out.

Load Capacity

Load capacity is also a key consideration when purchasing a new forklift. You must determine how much weight the new forklift will need to lift regularly. Exceeding the forklift's weight limit can lead to safety hazards, mechanical issues, or even damage to the load.

At ITG Machinery, our new forklifts come with load capacities ranging from 1 to 5 tons, offering a range of light-duty to heavy-duty models tailored to meet the specific demands of your business.

If your business starts handling heavier loads that exceed the current forklift's capacity, it is essential to invest in a new forklift with a higher load capacity to ensure smooth and safe operations.

Forklift Power Source

There are several types of power sources available for new forklifts, each with its pros and cons. The power source you choose should depend on your specific operational needs.

Internal Combustion Engine (ICE): Powered by diesel, gasoline, or LPG, ICE forklifts are ideal for outdoor use and heavy-duty applications. However, they emit more emissions and require regular maintenance.
Electric Forklifts: These new forklifts run on batteries and are a cleaner, more environmentally friendly option. They’re perfect for indoor use in warehouses, as they don’t produce emissions or fumes. Lithium battery forklifts, in particular, are gaining popularity due to their longer lifespan, faster charging times, and reduced maintenance needs.
Hydrogen Fuel Cell Forklifts: While less common, hydrogen-powered forklifts offer another eco-friendly option, providing quick refuelling times and extended running durations.

Nowadays, in line with sustainability goals, more companies are switching to new forklifts powered with lithium batteries, to reduce their carbon footprint while maintaining excellent performance.

Manoeuverability

Forklifts operate in tight spaces, and manoeuvrability is key to ensuring efficiency. A new forklift should offer a good turning radius, especially if your operations involve navigating narrow aisles or cramped work areas. Pay attention to the following features:

Small Turn Radius: If you're working in a warehouse or narrow environment, look for a new forklift that can easily manoeuvre in tight spots.
Lift Height: Depending on your racking system, the new forklift's lift height should be sufficient to store and retrieve goods without causing delays.
Visibility: A forklift with clear visibility from the operator’s seat ensures safer operation. Look for features such as wide, unobstructed windows and a raised seating position.

At ITG Machinery, we offer new forklifts with excellent manoeuvrability and visibility, ensuring that your operators can work in even the tightest of spaces with ease and safety.

Safety Features

Forklift safety should be a top priority when choosing a new forklift. Forklift accidents can be costly and dangerous, so it’s essential to select equipment with robust safety features. Some important safety features include:

Load Backrests: Prevents loads from falling backward during transport.
Operator Protection Systems: Rollover protection systems and seatbelts are essential for safeguarding the operator in the event of an accident.
Stability Control: Stability systems can prevent tipping and enhance load stability, ensuring the forklift can handle heavier loads without risk.
Warning Systems: Many new forklifts include audible alarms or visual indicators that alert operators to nearby pedestrians or other potential hazards.

At ITG Machinery, safety is our top priority. We ensure that all our new forklifts are equipped with the latest safety technologies to keep both operators and equipment secure.

Maintenance and After-Sales Support

When purchasing new forklifts, it’s essential to consider the maintenance requirements and the level of after-sales support provided by the supplier. A reputable supplier should offer comprehensive maintenance services, including regular check-ups, troubleshooting, and spare parts replacement.

Warranty: Ensure the new forklifts come with a solid warranty that covers key components such as the engine, mast, and lifting system. A good warranty reflects the supplier’s confidence in their products.
Service Coverage: Check if the supplier offers after-sales support in your area. Forklifts require regular maintenance, and having a local service team ensures minimal downtime.

With over 20 years of experience, ITG Machinery offers you peace of mind by providing access to our in-house workshop and dedicated technical team. We are ready to offer troubleshooting, repairs, and routine maintenance services for your new forklifts, ensuring they stay in optimal working condition.

Choosing the right new forklift for your business is a decision that should not be taken lightly. By considering factors such as forklift type, load capacity, power source, manoeuvrability, safety features, and after-sales support, you can ensure that you select the best equipment for your operational needs.

At ITG Machinery, we offer a wide range of new forklifts tailored to various industries and applications. Contact us today to learn more about our products and how we can support your business with the best new forklifts available.