NEW OR USED, ELECTRIC OR GAS? WHERE TO START WHEN PURCHASING OR HIRING YOUR FORKLIFT FLEET!
September 23, 2021
FORKLIFT TRUCKS ARE AN ESSENTIAL TOOL THAT MANY BUSINESSES RELY ON FOR EFFICIENCY AND PRODUCTIVITY. HOWEVER, AS WITH ANY MUCH-NEEDED BUSINESS TOOL, FORKLIFTS CAN ALSO BE PRETTY EXPENSIVE, AND THE RANGE OF BUYING OPTIONS AND TYPES CAN BE EXTREMELY CONFUSING!
So how do you know whether you should buy or rent your forklift? And which fuel option is the best for your business? At Welfaux MH we want to do the heavy lifting for you (excuse the pun), which is why we’ve created this guide to help you determine which option is best for you!
Hiring a Forklift: A Good Option for Short-Term Use
If you only need a forklift on a short-term basis, such as for a seasonal peak, or when working with a particular client, hiring a forklift is likely to be the best option for you. Hiring a forklift is cheaper (initially), allowing you can make use of expensive equipment without paying the full cost upfront.
Other benefits of hiring a forklift include:
- Boost in productivity: Replacing your forklift truck regularly will reduce the risk of downtime due to ageing.
- Fixed hiring costs, allowing you to budget successfully
- Option to upgrade to a different truck as your needs change, unlike purchasing a forklift, where you have to stick to the model purchased.
At Welfaux we specialise in providing short-term forklift rental in Slough, Heathrow and Gatwick, as well as forklift hire in West London and across the home counties. Find out more now.
Buying a New Forklift Truck has its Benefits Too…
Despite having a high initial cost, having a fleet of forklifts you own is cheaper long-term and is likely to be more suitable if you regularly use forklifts on a long-term basis. Buying a new truck also spares you the challenge of finding a well-maintained, used machine. If looking to expand your fleet, purchasing new forklifts will allow you to buy the same model in the future, which can greatly benefit staff training, as staff will already be familiar with the model.
What About Buying a Refurbished Forklift?
Did you know that at WMH we sell refurbished used forklifts and materials handling equipment? We specialise in professional refurbishments from leading brands including Mitsubishi, Caterpillar, Flexi and Aisle-Master to offer you a great selection of trucks to meet every requirement. Buying a used forklift will have significantly less impact on your budget, and our rigorous in-house refurbishment process by experienced engineers means you can be assured that you are still receiving a quality product.
DECIDING ON YOUR FUEL TYPE: DIESEL VS GAS VS ELECTRIC
So you’ve decided if you are going to hire or buy your forklift, but when it comes to selecting your forklift, how do you know which type is best? Diesel, gas and electric trucks all come with benefits and drawbacks, and it will inevitably come down to business needs and personal preference.
Diesel Forklift Trucks
Although diesel may seem like an old-fashioned choice in a now eco-conscious world, diesel trucks are actually some of the toughest workhorses in materials handling. Diesel forklifts are for outdoor use only, and are very durable and powerful, giving them better acceleration and increase lift speeds.
LP Gas Forklift Trucks
LP Gas-Powered forklifts are suitable for both outdoor and indoor usage. They are clean and quiet but do not require hours of charging like electric forklifts. They are suitable for just about any materials handling task. From loading goods vehicles to delivering pallets of supplies to a production line.
Electric Forklift Trucks
You may have heard of the environmental benefits of the electric forklifts, which are proving very on-trend at the moment with London’s Low Emission Zone (LEZ) scheme. They are suited to a range of indoor applications, including lifting goods in and out of racking and moving loads at ground level around your site. They are also cheaper to operate and maintain than LP Gas and diesel-powered forklifts.
Our wealth of experience at WMH means we are able to provide expert advice on which type of truck is most suited for your needs. We also have a range of finance options available to help you secure the best equipment.
Get in touch
today to find out more.
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Christmas Dress Up Day in aid of St Barts Charity
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Christmas Dress Up Day in aid of St Barts Charity
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