Purchasing Platform Lift Trucks

Written by: Steven Bryan

Platform lift trucks come in handy for a variety of construction and industrial businesses. Using one can help turn a two- or three-person job into a relatively easy solo effort.

Combining the best aspects of a reach truck and a two-wheeled dolly, the platform lift truck can maneuver into tight spaces, making it a good choice for a crowded warehouse or retail floor. The operator walks behind the device and, by using a foot pump or a hand crank, can raise the product platform to the desired height.

Platform lift trucks: advantages and disadvantages

Instead of investing in a traditional forklift, you can get a platform lift truck which provides an economical alternative to more expensive machinery. With a few of these trucks in your equipment fleet, you can quickly and efficiently move stock from the loading dock to the sales floor.

On the negative side, most platform lift trucks can't handle heavy-duty loads. Typically, the upper limit on this kind of truck is less than 1,000 pounds, and many can't handle pallets. For large, intensive jobs, you'll have to rely on a different piece of equipment.

Going with a classic

If you have a pretty flexible budget, it's possible to find a platform lift truck that really put the emphasis on the word "truck." Some service vehicles come equipped with bucket or boom lifts that can be driven directly to a job site. These truck-mounted lifts come in quite handy for doing electrical and pole work or for trimming trees.

Because of the accessibility of the Internet, you also can locate hard-to-find platform lift trucks that can handle the big jobs. However, it's important to investigate exactly what you're getting with an online merchant before you buy.

Purchasing platform lift trucks

When selecting platform lift trucks, it's important to match your needs with the capabilities of a specific truck. Keep these things in mind before you buy:

• How many items does your staff have to move?
• Do you need to use the lift indoors and outdoors?
• How crowded is your storage facility or warehouse? Do you have extremely narrow aisles?
• Do you send and receive products on pallets?
• How high do you need to lift a load?
• What's the maximum load your workers need to transport?

To hone in on your platform lift truck purchase, submit a free BuyerZone request for quote and get matched to multiple dealers.