How to Choose the Right Forklift: A Buyer's Guide

The most common mistake when buying a forklift — new or used — is focusing on price before understanding specification. A machine that's too light for your pallets will be overloaded on every shift, accelerating wear and creating safety risks. A machine with a mast too low for your racking is simply unusable. Start with your load weight, your racking height, and your aisle width.

Power source is the next decision. If your operation is entirely indoors and your site has a 3-phase power supply, electric is almost always the right choice: lower running costs, no exhaust fumes, and quieter operation. If you work outdoors or in mixed environments — loading docks, farms, construction yards — LPG or diesel remains practical. Telehandlers for outdoor construction are almost always diesel.

When buying used, ask for the last full-service record and check the hours. A 5,000-hour forklift with a full service history is typically a better buy than a 2,000-hour machine with no paperwork. At D.O.V. BV., every machine sold comes with an inspection report. Contact us and describe your requirements — we'll match you with the right unit.