Knowing what specs and options your fork lift trucks should include is only the first step in making a good purchasing decision. Once you have the choices narrowed down to a few models from different dealers, you should ask the vendors for in-house demonstrations..

At the very least, most dealers will bring the lift truck models you are considering to your location and let you use it for an hour or two. In many cases, the dealer will let you keep the truck for one to three days, giving you the chance to put it to the test in a live environment.

A full day or more of using the truck will give you the best idea of how it fits with your specific application. Personal preferences about the controls and ergonomics can play a big role in your decision, and having the truck at your location gives you the chance to include more of your lift truck drivers in the decision-making.

In addition, fork lift truck salespeople will help you evaluate your facility and requirements. By measuring doorways and aisles and examining your typical loads, they can help you make sure you choose a forklift suited to your particular needs.

For more detail about the test drive or demo process, take a look at our new forklift buying video.

Rent to evaluate
If you aren’t very familiar with the different brands and types of lift trucks, consider renting. By renting a forklift for a month, you can really get a sense of whether its capabilities are appropriate for your needs without the pressure of a long-term lease or major investment. In addition, with a rental, you never have to worry about maintenance or repairs — if anything goes wrong, the rental company will simply replace it.