First-time forklift buyers may feel overwhelmed as they start the process of researching and selecting the right equipment for their work. Like with any purchase, it’s important to consider all the factors that go into making a smart buy—and, as first-time forklift buyers will soon realize—there are a lot of things to think about. Primarily, it’s important to understand as much about the jobs the lift will be doing, information that can help make a perfect match to get the job done.

Here are six things first-time forklift buyers should keep in mind:

Indoor vs. outdoor use:

Will you be using your forklift in an indoor space like a warehouse or on outdoor construction sites? It’s important to have a lift designed to withstand the weather if working outdoors, as well as one that has tires that can easily traverse uneven surfaces.

Frequency of use:

How often and for how long you will be running the machines can impact whether you want to choose a lift powered by battery or one by gas or electric.

Lifting capacity:

The amount a forklift can load varies widely, depending on its size and design. First-time forklift buyers must have an idea of the weight limits that will be involved in most of the jobs, as overloading a lift with too much weight can cause serious damage, as well as put the operator at risk for injury.

Reach capacity:

Likewise, research how high you’ll need your forklifts to be able to reach, as most standard forklifts elevate loads up to about 15 feet, but some are equipped with tools that can reach up to 40 feet.

Energy-efficiency:

The type of power you want in your equipment is another consideration. If you’re looking to go green, an electric forklift may be your best bet.

Cost:

A brand new forklift can be a significant investment, which is why many buyers build out their fleets with used forklifts. Our extensive collection at the National Forklift Exchange [link to /inventory/] allows first-time forklift buyers to find the right equipment for the job, all at a more affordable cost.