A forklift is bought not for a single season but for years of intensive operation. Often, a mistake in choosing a specific model becomes apparent only later. That’s why we explain what you really need to pay attention to.

Drive type

When selecting a model, you should always start by asking what type of drive it has. Currently, new forklifts on the market come with three engine types:

• Diesel – the most powerful and durable. They are well suited for heavy loads and outdoor work, but they emit exhaust gases, which is not ideal for indoor use;
• Electric – operate quietly, with no exhaust. Therefore they are suitable for enclosed spaces. However, they require time to charge the battery and are less “hardy”;
• Gas – run on liquefied propane. This is, in a sense, a compromise. The exhaust is cleaner than diesel’s, refilling the tank takes a few minutes instead of hours needed to charge an electric battery, and they are sufficiently powerful.

Your choice should be based on the place where the forklift will operate and the specifics of the workload.

Load capacity

You should choose a forklift with a margin in this characteristic. Usually adding 20% is sufficient. If the machine constantly works at maximum load, its components wear out faster. You also need to consider the load’s center of gravity. The stated capacity assumes a standard placement, usually at some distance from the fork back. If the actual load is oversized or its center of gravity is awkward, the actual safe load capacity drops. Therefore, you should opt for a model with higher load capacity.

Lift height and mast type

The lift height must match the height of the warehouse racking, but the mast type is equally important. You can choose from the following options:

• Duplex (two‑section);
• Triplex (three‑section).

A three‑section mast allows greater lift height while keeping the same overall dimensions of the machine. For warehouses with low ceilings or doorways, this is a critical parameter: the free‑travel carriage function lets you lift the load without increasing the forklift’s overall height.

Maneuverability

The turning radius of the forklift determines how narrow the aisles between warehouse racks can be. For warehouses with tightly packed racks, narrow‑aisle equipment with a reduced turning radius is selected. Such models are more expensive than standard ones, but they enable more efficient use of warehouse space thanks to narrower aisles.