Frequently Asked Questions
Choosing the right forklift comes down to how, where, and what you lift. Here are the questions we walk every customer through, plus the fundamentals that shape the decision.
Questions to ask before you buy
How are you receiving and shipping your materials? Do you have a loading dock, or do you need to go into a shipping container or trailer? The answers affect the size, lifting capacity, and maneuverability of the forklift you need.
Where are you storing your materials? Ventilation, explosive materials, employee lifting needs, terrain type, and temperature control all influence the selection.
How high are you storing your materials? Height and load size determine the capacity needed — a larger load moves the lift's center of gravity, which reduces lifting capacity.
What type of surface are you driving on? Surfaces range from smooth and level to rough and uneven, which affects tire choice and lift type.
What other features do you need? Common add-ons include side shift, fork positioner, attachments, and fork length.
What are the different types of forklifts?
There are many types of lifts for a multitude of tasks. Here at Forklift Select, we carry 17 different types of lifts.
What are the seven classes of forklifts?
- Class 1 — Electric Motor Rider Forklifts: electric-motor rider trucks with 3 or 4 wheels and cushion (solid) or pneumatic (air-filled) tires.
- Class 2 — Electric Narrow Aisle Forklifts: electric-motor trucks used for narrow-aisle or inventory stock/order-picking applications, on solid tires.
- Class 3 — Electric Hand Pallet Jacks or Walkie/Rider Jacks: electric or hand-powered pallet jacks, primarily for loading/unloading trailers and short horizontal material handling.
- Class 4 — Internal Combustion (ICE) Cushion Tire Forklifts: powered by liquid propane (LPG), compressed natural gas (CNG), or gasoline, used primarily indoors.
- Class 5 — Internal Combustion (ICE) Pneumatic Tire Forklifts: powered by LPG, CNG, gasoline, or diesel, used primarily outdoors.
- Class 6 — Electric and Internal Combustion Tractor Forklifts: sit-down rider or tow-tractor forklifts, supplied with electric or internal combustion engines.
- Class 7 — Rough Terrain Forklift Trucks: pneumatic tires, almost exclusively diesel-powered, used outdoors on rough terrain.
Electric lifts vs. internal combustion lifts
Internal combustion forklifts
- Operate on gasoline, diesel, compressed natural gas, or liquid propane gas
- Primarily used outdoors, with limited indoor use under certain circumstances
- Able to operate in various conditions with no batteries to recharge
- Some models can lift over 50,000 pounds
- Lifespan depends on application, use, and maintenance
- Noise emissions meet or exceed ANSI B56.1 standards
Electric forklifts
- Typically less maintenance than an internal combustion forklift
- Produce no tailpipe emissions and require no fuel storage
- A charging station is necessary; batteries are large and heavy to change
- A better option for smaller, confined spaces
- Load capacity generally from 3,000 to 12,000 lb.
Cushion tires vs. pneumatic tires
Cushion tires, also known as solid tires, are made of a solid rubber compound and do not contain air-filled chambers like pneumatic tires. They are durable, puncture-resistant, and best for indoor use on smooth surfaces, with a compact design for tight spaces.
Pneumatic tires are air-filled tires, similar to those on regular vehicles. They offer superior traction and cushioning for outdoor use on various surfaces, a smoother ride, better handling, and reduced load-damage risk. In short: cushion tires suit indoor use on smooth surfaces, while pneumatic tires are well-suited to outdoor and rough or unpaved terrain.
Which fuel type is right for you?
| Fuel type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| LPG (liquid propane) | Easy to refuel, low maintenance, longer lifespan, ideal for outdoor or ventilated indoor use | Limited power; requires a propane tank |
| Electric | Usable in non-ventilated closed environments; quiet operation | Downtime for recharging; intermittent use can shorten battery life |
| Diesel | Very powerful, low upkeep, easy to fuel, reliable | Emissions, noisy, exclusively outdoor use |
What should I consider when buying a forklift?
- Do you need to stack materials?
- Will the forklift be used indoors or outdoors, and in what environment?
- What types of materials will be moved, and what is the typical load weight?
- What is the maximum rack height and maximum lift height?
- What lifting capacity is required?
- What are your aisle-width requirements?
- How frequently will it be used?
How much does a forklift cost?
Forklifts are essential investments for businesses, but their cost varies based on factors like lifting capacity, power source, brand, and features. Tell us what you're moving and we'll help you find the right lift at the right price.
Do you offer financing?
Yes, we do — it's fast and easy. Apply for equipment financing to get started.