New and Used Forklifts For Sale
New and Used Forklifts for Sale
Not all forklifts are created equally. A lot of thought and engineering goes into the design of a forklift so that it’s adapted to specific uses. Choosing the right forklift for your floor or terrain, passage and alley width, warehouse space and configuration and maximum rack height is critical to maximizing your speed, efficiency and safety.
At Chicago Industrial, we’ve spent years supplying customers in Chicago, Illinois, around the country and around the world with a wide range of forklift types, makes and models. To determine which forklift features suit your application best, we’ve put together a list of common forklift applications for industrial and construction uses.
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Discover the Perfect Forklift for Sale
There are many types of forklifts available. Due to the various models and series available, it's beneficial to consider the various classes and functions of forklifts. You can find used and new forklifts for sale that fall within any of these classes:
- Class I: Forklifts within this class are very quiet, offer sit-down or stand-up models and are great for loading and unloading trailers.
- Class II: These models can operate in close quarters, aiding in picking materials, maximizing storage space and assisting with reaching high objects and areas.
- Class III: These lift trucks are ideal for horizontal transportation, allowing you to hoist heavy materials, stack items and transport pallets.
- Class IV: Class IV functions include lifting heavy loads, operating large warehouses with charging stations and completing loading dock and storage areas tasks.
- Class V: This class is suitable for indoor or outdoor use, and teams can lift or transport large loads, operate the equipment on rough terrain and ensure safety by utilizing the cab.
- Class VI: Various industries can use Class VI models to tow loads, operate at faster speeds and navigate very tight turns.
- Class VII: These models are ideal for outdoor applications such as transporting materials over rugged terrain, reaching great heights, lifting oversized loads and completing other applications needing different attachments.
Choosing Forklifts to Meet Your Needs
Choosing among the various types of forklifts on the market involves understanding your unique project needs and industry applications. Forklifts are popular equipment choices due to their versatility and compatibility across industries. Take a closer look at the options for applications like warehousing, construction and tight navigation below.
Forklifts for Warehouses
If the main use of your forklift is for sorting and picking in a warehouse, the name of the game is agility. You also need great visibility to avoid damaging your loads and racks and adequate mast height to reach the top positions in your warehouse. Consider the following points:
- Load rating: It’s critical to know your average and maximum load. If you have multiple forklifts, you may only need one that can handle your heaviest loads and others that are smaller and nimbler for your regular, day-to-day material handling needs. Always account for potential load increases in the future.
- Maneuverability: Speed is key when you’re working in a warehouse and need to supply production and shipping in a timely manner. Pick a forklift model that gives you the best response in turning, accelerating and lift speed and adjustment. The best way to be sure is to try out different brands and models.
- Energy source: Most warehouse forklift applications mean fast work over multiple shifts, so your forklift may not get much rest. Electric forklifts are reliable and powerful but require time for charging. If you only have one forklift, you need to be sure you can spare charging time — or opt for another power source.
Running a forklift in a warehouse has a specific set of needs. Look closely at how you operate today to choose the best forklifts for warehouses which allow you to work efficiently and safely.
Forklifts for Construction
While extreme agility is a necessity in a warehouse situation, maximum lifting power and durability is what you need on a construction site. In most cases, you’re not looking for millimeter precision, but instead you may need to transport heavy loads over uneven terrain. For construction applications, choose your forklift according to:
- Load rating: On a construction site, you’ll be confronted with multiple types of materials, supplies and equipment to move and position. You don’t want to be at the top end of your load rating all the time, so choose a construction forklift that lets you work safely and with power to spare for unplanned situations.
- Maneuverability: While you do need a forklift that you can steer with ease, the best forklifts for construction don’t need the same precision feel as you would for storing and picking purposes. Instead, focus on the wheels and control placement for safe and comfortable transportation and positioning on rough terrain.
- Energy source: For most outdoor construction uses, diesel or CNG forklifts are the common choice. The ability to quickly fill or change the fuel tank means you can get back to business quickly. Diesel and fuel-powered forklifts also give you the best performance possible and a wide range of models to choose from.
A forklift is a welcome addition to any construction site and project, as long as you select a model that meets the extreme load and terrain requirements.
Forklifts for Narrow Aisles and Spaces
It might be easy to assume that the only criteria to consider when looking for the best forklifts for narrow aisles is the size of your forklift. This is a mistake. You need to consider many other factors to ensure you’re allowing your employees to work in a safely and efficiently:
- Load rating: Most forklifts that fit into narrow aisles are naturally small. Don’t simply choose the most compact forklift available, as you risk choosing a model that can’t meet your load ratings. Several manufacturers offer high-load compact forklifts that combine small size with impressive performance.
- Maneuverability: This is a key factor when choosing a forklift that you’ll be using in narrow aisles and tight spaces. Width and length come into play, as do the type and size of tires. Remember that the length of your forks will also affect how well you can turn in your aisles, though mast height isn’t a problem.
- Energy source: In most cases, the energy source (electric, diesel or CNG) won’t have a direct effect on the ability to run your forklift in narrow spaces. Think more about how often you’ll need to recharge or refuel, and which power source will be the most convenient and avoid the most downtime.
When you’re working in narrow aisles, it’s important to be familiar with the operation and controls of your forklift. Start with the right-sized model with the performance and reach you need, and you’ll be able to work quickly and safely.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Forklift
Our guide above will often provide a great foundation for choosing the right forklift model. However, we know you may have some unique project requirements or be looking for a versatile option to achieve many types of tasks. Typically, you can use the following to determine which forklift will best suit your needs:
- Application: First and foremost, you must consider your applications and the factors that will impact productivity, efficiency and integrity. For example, you should consider elements like height reach, overall size, lift capacities, speed range, load capacities, towing capabilities and maneuverability.
- Tires: Tires will be vital for your operating location and conditions. Some tires are suitable for muddy or rough terrain, while others will be safest on interior surfaces. You can find solid, cushion and pneumatic tires, each with unique advantages.
- Training and safety: Regardless of the specific forklift model you choose, it is essential to ensure every operator has the proper training to operate the equipment safely. Some forklifts may require more extensive training modules than others, and it is up to you to know what information your team needs.
- Service and maintenance: Preventive maintenance and regular services will be essential for any piece of equipment. However, each model can have unique requirements and factors, such as whether you buy, rent or lease the equipment and whether you choose new or used units can impact how often you need to service your equipment and how much you need to pay.
Leading Forklift Brands
Quality is important when it comes to your heavy equipment. Choosing among the leading brands will empower you to access the latest technology, exceptional sales teams and industry leaders with years of experience and skill to ensure you find exactly what you need. At Chicago Industrial, we work with trusted manufacturers so that you can purchase with confidence. Consider these top brands:
Hyster Forklift for Sale
Hyster offers a broad range of material handling equipment, which you can tailor to your needs. Utilizing innovative approaches to manufacturing and design processes, Hyster forklifts can handle all kinds of loads. You can choose among models with capacity ranges between 2,000 and 115,000 pounds, narrow aisle models, three or four-wheel electric units, cushion tires, pneumatic tires and additional options to ensure you find the best model for your application.
Caterpillar
This brand sets the standard for power, rugged performance and reliability. Cat® forklifts have reduced emission levels, increased fuel efficiency, low maintenance requirements and spacious operator stations. Load capacities for these models range from 2,500 to 6,000 pounds.
John Deere
John Deere has more than 175 years of experience in the heavy equipment sector. While this company is most known for tractors and agricultural machinery, it also offers an exceptional line of heavy equipment found on many commercial and industrial project sites. John Deere products feature the latest technologies and deliver relentless performance.
Choose Chicago Industrial for Your Forklift Needs
Chicago Industrial is your single supplier for all things forklift. You can trust our experience to help you find the right forklift for your specific needs. Contact us today and tell us about your forklift requirements for warehouse, construction or narrow aisle situations. You can fill in our online form to obtain a free quotation, or give us a call at 815-744-8811.
If you already have an idea of which type or model of forklift you’d like, you can also filter through our forklift inventory above. You can work smarter and faster when you equip yourself with the right industrial equipment from Chicago Industrial.
