With many types of forklifts to choose from, selecting the right forklift can be difficult. Each forklift type is designed for different applications and choosing the right forklift can greatly improve your efficiency and productivity. Understanding the differences between the seven classes can help you start searching for what you require and pick the correct forklift for your needs.

Different Types of Forklifts

Class I: Electric Motor Riders

Ideal for carrying and moving pallets, Class I forklifts are known as electric motor riders. They are electrically powered, and they are used in a variety of indoor settings and industries, like food storage, retail, factories, and warehouses. With multiple applicable uses, Class I forklifts are quieter and do not create emissions.  Their lift capacity ranges from 3,000 to 40,000 pounds, and their electrical systems are between 24-volt and 80-volt.

Class II: Electric Motor Narrow Aisle Forklifts (Reach Truck, Order Pickers)

Electric, narrow aisle forklifts are also called reach trucks and order pickers. These Class II forklifts are built to over maneuverability to move easily throw aisles; with this feature, they are ideal for moving inventory, and they are consistently used to increase racking space in warehouses.

Class III: Electric Pallet Jacks, Stackers, and Tow Tractors

Class III includes electric pallet jacks, stackers, and tow tractors. This equipment is used to unload deliveries, as well as move items that will be later moved by other types of forklifts. Electric Pallet Jacks, Stackers, and Tow Tractors are offered in both walk-behind and rider models.

Class IV: Internal Combustion Cushion Tire Forklifts

Internal Combustion Cushion Tire Forklifts are classified as Class IV. These sit-down forklifts are powered by internal combustion engines that are fueled by diesel, LP gas, or compressed natural gas. These indoor use forklifts have solid, cushioned tires to give a smooth ride and avoid punctures. Class IV forklifts are used in warehousing, distribution, retail, and automotive settings. Their lift capacity is between 3,000 to 100,000 pounds.

Class V: Internal Combustion Pneumatic Tire Forklifts

These forklifts are commonly used for outdoor application due to their durability. Internal Combustion Pneumatic Tire forklifts are ideal for lumberyards and construction sites due to their high lift capacity, 3,000 to 125,000 pounds, and design.

Class VI: Electric/IC Engine Tow Tractors

Electric and Internal Combustion Engine Tow Tractors make up Class VI. Rather than lifting materials, these forklifts are used to tow loads. They are frequently used in airports and assembly line areas. While they boast a towing capacity of over 50,000 pounds, they have an extremely tight turn radius. Their AC Drive system allows for quicker acceleration, high speeds, and extended peak operating time.

Class VII: Rough Terrain Forklifts

Class VII, known as rough terrain forklifts, are intended for use in rough terrain. They have large, tractor-style tires, so they are commonly used in constructions sites and lumberyards to assist in lifting building materials to elevated work-sites. Rough terrain forklifts usually require diesel engines due to outdoor use and the uneven and coarse terrain.

Let’s be honest… you can buy nearly anything off of the internet! BUT, should you? Here are a few good reasons to buy from an authorized dealer:

• SERVICE: When you purchase a lift truck, its generally understood that it will need service at some point. An authorized dealer has a network of service professionals specifically trained to handle even the most complicated issues. This is especially true when it comes to the more modern, computer controlled units.
• WARRANTY: Units that are purchased from internet “wholesalers” can come from any where and any condition! In most every case, these units are sold “as-is, where-is”, meaning you are responsible for freight and when you get it… “it’s yours!” Why not buy from a local dealer who can take care of all of your needs and can do so quickly and efficiently? Remember, just because the “sale” price may look good, it’s not always the best VALUE! Be sure to take into account the TOTAL cost of ownership before clicking “Buy Now!”
• EXPERTISE: Purchasing a lift truck may seem simple to some, but there are many factors that come into play before selecting the “right” fit for your application. Lifts come in all shapes, sizes and models of operation. Why not let a factory trained sales professional who spends every day of their working life fitting businesses with material handling solutions, help you make the right decision? Trust us… not everything is as it seems to be. The last thing you want to do is “over-buy” or “under-buy”!

Let us help you get it right the first time!!

Used Forklift Buyers Guide

We seem to be all too familiar with stories of forklift equipment purchases gone wrong, which leads to owners left with down time and money pits of parts and equipment.

Before purchasing a used lift – evaluate it!

From following the guide below, you will likely end up with a piece of equipment that you can depend on!

First start by determining what your needs are vs. your wants or whether concrete floors or outdoors on gravel? What size lift can your warehouse handle? – Look at aisle widths! If you are looking at purchasing electric, do you have the type of charging station needed? (single phase or 3 phase)

Budget and Price Expectations

“You get what you pay for” rings true when purchasing a forklift just as it does when purchasing a car. Generally, the higher the capacity the higher the price. Electrics are typically more expensive than the internal combustion lifts and pneumatics are usually even higher. Dealers will sometimes invest more money into the rehabilitation of a forklift, which can be things like cosmetic facelift, simple service, or complete tear down and rebuild. It’s important to ask what a price includes – some brands keep their value better than others due to quality, manufacturing and engineering.

Know your seller! Knowing who you’re purchasing from is important in deterring the quality and validity of the information regarding the forklift sale. Equipment dealers usually have the most general forklift knowledge or service history of the equipment. The Lilly Company performs routine maintenance and occasionally rehabilitate the lift before the sale.

Here are a couple questions to ask when purchasing equipment…

1. How many hours are on this machine and what type of application did it work in?
2. Do you have the service history of this forklift?
3. Were there any recalls or campaigns issued for this piece of equipment and if so, have those repairs been completed?

When Used?

• When the lift will only be in use for a few hours per day. Generally speaking, no more than 5 days per week or 5 hours per day.
• Single shift operation
• Not part of a heavy duty, nonstop environment.
• When adding an additional unit as back up
• When funds are limited
• When you need a good unit now

Why Used?

• Most can still be financed and/or leased including FMV residual leases
• Nearly immediate delivery vs. long lead time on new units
• Some units still qualify for some or part of the original factory warranty
• “Extended” or “Certified” warranties are available from the manufacturer for  many used units
• In many cases, there is little difference between the “remaining life” of a used lift vs. a new lift

Contact The Lilly Company for any of your used lift needs!

When planning to purchase a forklift there are many questions that should be answered before deciding whether to buy new or used. Both types have advantages and disadvantages, but generally one will fit your situation better than the other.

When to Buy Used?

• When the lift will only be in use for a few hours per day (Generally, no more than 5 days per week and 5 hours a day)
• Single Shift Operation
• Not part of a heavy duty, nonstop environment
• When adding an additional unit for backup
• When funds are limited (Can be up to 50% less than a new unit)
• When you need a good unit now

Why Used?

• Most can still be financed and/or leased, including FMV residual leases
• Nearly immediate delivery vs. long lead time of new units
• Parts can be a major concern among newer models
• Some units still qualify for some or part of the original factory warranty
• “Extended” or “certified” warranties are available from the manufacturer for many used units
• In many cases, there is little difference between the “remaining life” of a used lift vs. a new lift
• Customer receives fair market value for the material

Although there are many advantages of buying used, there are also a few disadvantages. Such as, just like a used vehicle, a used forklift will have visual wear and tear than a new lift will not have. You will need to receive a detailed report of any previous maintenance issues and take into consideration how long it has been used.

As for new units, they generally speak for themselves. A few advantages of buying a new unit is that new models are equipped to handle longer hours at an efficient pace, whereas the used model is better to be used on occasion. New lifts have a warranty that can be anywhere from 12 to 36 months. A disadvantage of buying a new forklift is that some push away from the higher price and the longer delivery, yet a new forklift can be a better investment.

When deciding to buy a forklift, consider all of these factors to make the best decision for your work environment! Used or new, you are sure to be in good hands with The Lilly Company!

Sit-Down vs. Stand-Up Forklifts

There are many different options when choosing a forklift, yet all forklift’s have the main goal of moving product safely and effectively. When choosing your forklift it is best to determine which lift will benefit your operations to save you time, money and lead to your utmost safety.

Forklifts are offered in two main types – sit-down model and stand-up model, with a few main differences between the two.

Sit-down forklifts have the option of 3 or 4-wheel models. A 3-wheel model is best for those navigating smaller spaces because it has greater maneuverability.  A sit-down forklift gives the driver the opportunity to stay seated while moving product, which provides more comfort when operating a lift for extended periods of time.

Some situations do not allow the use of a sit-down rider because of workloads or space limitations. Stand-up forklifts save space and have an improved turning radius because of its compact nature. Stand-up models give better visibility, while a sit-down model allows for front facing visibility.

Here are some great questions when determining which forklift is best for you:

1. Do you have tight areas or narrow aisles?
2. Does the driver make extended runs or shorter runs with several stops and starts?
3. How often is your driver moving on and off the lift?
4. How can you increase productivity? Stand up model or sit-down model?

Consider all of these factors to choose a forklift that best suits you!