Forklifts are not one-size-fits-all — which means that purchasing one requires a bit more than selecting the first model you see. This forklift selection guide can help you purchase the right equipment for your business.
What to Know Before Buying a Forklift
Before anything else, evaluate how and where you'll use the forklift. Ask yourself:
- How much does the equipment need to carry? Load capacity is the maximum weight the lift can carry. Your forklift must be able to lift your heaviest loads. Load type and capacity also affect the attachments needed.
- How high do you need to reach? In addition to your typical lift height and the highest necessary lift point, consider whether your facility has height restrictions, such as hanging lights. Measure your racking height and ceiling clearance to ensure the mast can safely reach the highest point you need to access.
- What type of fuel does it use? You have two options — electric forklifts and internal combustion (IC) forklifts. This is a huge consideration, so we'll discuss these options in more depth below.
- Are you using the forklift indoors or outdoors? Electric forklifts are typically better for indoor applications, as they're quiet and produce fewer emissions. IC forklifts are better for rough outdoor terrain.
- What's the terrain like? The terrain will impact your tire decision. Pneumatic tires can traverse asphalt and gravel but may pop, similar to standard car tires. Solid tires are extremely durable and great for heavy-duty applications, and cushion tires are best for indoor use.
- How maneuverable is the forklift? Forklifts with a smaller turning radius make sharp turns much easier, which is beneficial in tight spaces or small aisles. Narrow-aisle or three-wheel models typically offer smaller turning radii than conventional four-wheeled options.
- Do you want a new or used machine? While buying a new machine is typically more expensive upfront, the long-term benefits often make the investment worth it. New machines are more reliable, and you can write off the total value of your forklift on your taxes that year.
Electric vs. Internal Combustion Forklift Comparison
IC forklifts can run on gasoline, diesel fuel or liquid propane gas (LPG). Electric options are powered by lead-acid batteries or lithium batteries. Here's a quick comparison:
| Upfront Cost | IC forklifts are more affordable upfront. | Electric models cost more initially. |
| Fuel and Maintenance Cost | IC forklifts cost more due to higher fuel and maintenance costs. | Charging an electric forklift is more cost-effective than refilling the gas tank, and you'll also save on maintenance costs. |
| Indoor vs. Outdoor Use | LPG models are suitable for indoor use. Gasoline and diesel models are best used outdoors. These machines are also limited to certain industries — for example, they cannot be used for food prep or handling. | Electric models can be used indoors, as well as outdoors, depending on the internal protection (IP) rating and tire used. These machines can also be outfitted with pneumatic tires for indoor use. |
| Impact on Environment | While LPG models are considered more eco-friendly, all IC forklifts produce emissions. | These lifts produce low emissions from lead-acid batteries. |
| Noise Level | IC forklifts are louder than electric models. | Electric models are quieter. |
| Weight Capacity | Load capacity is typically higher. This is changing with the introduction of lithium batteries. | Load capacity is typically lower, but technology advancements have helped increase electric model weight capacity. |
| Maintenance | IC forklifts have more moving parts and may be more expensive to maintain. | Fewer moving parts mean less maintenance. |
Forklift Model Comparison
Yale® has been a leading provider of lift equipment in the United States since the 1920s, so you can't go wrong when adding a Yale forklift to your fleet. Consider these popular models.
Integrated Lithium-Ion Counterbalanced Forklifts
The three-wheeled Yale ERP040VTL has a 4,000-pound capacity and a max lift height of 119 inches. It also offers a right-angle turn radius for tighter maneuverability. The advanced lithium-ion battery takes less than one hour to fully charge, and you can use the machine until the battery depletes.
Electric Counterbalanced Cushion Tire Forklifts for Indoors
The Yale ESC030-40AD is another excellent stand-up electric three-wheel option. In addition to offering a capacity of up to 4,000 pounds and a max lift height of 283 inches, this model has one of the tightest turning radii in the industry. Your team can also benefit from Yale's Smart Operator Sending System and Smart Ride Floor System — this means no pedals taking up floor space and much less shock and vibration transmitted to operators.
Internal Combustion Pneumatic
Counterbalanced Outdoor Forklifts
You have many options and capacities to choose from for IC counterbalanced forklifts:
- Yale GP040-070UX: This model offers a significant front field of view to minimize blind spots, an overhead guard designed for visibility, a low-effort hand lever parking brake and a low center of gravity to promote stability. It can reach heights up to 216 inches and offers a maximum 7,000-pound capacity.
- Yale GP080-120VX: The GP080-120VX model has a maximum capacity of 12,000 pounds and a maximum lift height of 218 inches. It's an effective option for lifting, stacking and towing.
- Yale GP135-155VX: This truck offers a maximum capacity of 15,500 pounds and a maximum lift height of 212 inches. It's best suited for the paper, steel, machinery and fabricated metal industries.
Narrow-Aisle Trucks
Narrow-aisle (NA) reach trucks, like the Yale NR-NDR030-045EC and NR-NDR030-040DC, are beneficial for high-density warehousing and freezer applications. With one of these trucks at your disposal, you can expand storage capability and hold more inventory. Regular sit-down trucks can navigate 10- to 12-foot aisles, while NA reach trucks can navigate 9- to 9.5-foot aisles. Very narrow aisle (VNA) trucks can drive in aisles as small as 5 feet wide.
NA trucks lift up to 4,500 pounds and offer a max lift height of 444 inches.
End Rider Pallet Trucks
End rider pallet trucks boost efficiency and productivity. Two bestselling Yale options include the Yale MPE060-080VH and Yale MPR080-MPR100VG. Some models can move up to three pallets in one trip — unlike others, which only offer double pallet jacks.
The MPE060-080VH has an 8,000-pound maximum capacity and a 9.3-inch max lift height, making it ideal for low-level order picking. It's designed with smart features and exclusive ergonomic enhancements to boost operator comfort and productivity.
The MPR080-MPR100VG enclosed end rider also has a 9.3-inch max lift height but offers a capacity of up to 10,000 pounds. You can move up to 25% more product in one cycle than if you chose a lift from a leading competitor.
Choose the Right Type of Forklift: Quick Summary
| Counterbalance | General warehouse and outdoor work | Electric, LPG, Diesel |
| Narrow-Aisle Truck | High stacking in narrow aisles | Electric |
| Pallet Truck | Low-level transport | Manual or Electric |
| Order Picker | Picking individual items | Electric |
| Rough Terrain | Construction and uneven surfaces | Diesel |
How to Choose a Forklift Without Making Common Purchasing Mistakes
Now that you know the basics of forklift selection and are familiar with high-quality Yale models, consider common purchasing mistakes to round off your knowledge:
- Only looking at the initial price: Focusing only on the initial price may seem like a good strategy, but overlooking the costs associated with maintenance, operator training, fuel and parts replacements can mean spending more in the long run. Make sure to account for the total cost of ownership when purchasing a forklift.
- Neglecting to research the dealer: When you buy from an unreliable dealer, you might not get the after-sale support you need. A reputable dealer also offers solid warranties and high-quality products.
- Overlooking safety: Safety features help protect operators and reduce the risk of accidents. For example, many Yale machines are equipped with industry-leading Yale Reliant™ technology to support operator awareness and overall warehouse safety.
- Not prioritizing operator comfort: Ergonomic features help keep operators safe and comfortable during long shifts and while transporting heavy loads. Many of Yale's lifts are designed with advanced ergonomic features, such as the Smart Operator Sensing System and the Smart Ride Floor System.
Partner With Barclay for All Your Industrial Equipment Needs
Barclay has served businesses in New Jersey and New York for decades. We're an authorized dealer of Yale equipment and have dozens of options in our forklift inventory to meet your business's most demanding material handling needs. You can visit our equipment showroom, which provides hands-on experience. You can assess the ergonomics, check the overall build quality, and see the features of various forklift models firsthand. We can discuss your application-specific needs and provide tailored recommendations from our expert staff.
Whether you're looking for electric machines or internal combustion options, you can find a reliable option with Barclay. Shop our selection of Yale equipment, or contact us online to speak with a sales rep or get started with a product demo. Our inventory is always expanding!
