Thinking about buying your first forklift? It’s a smart step, if done right. But a lot of businesses get caught out by things they didn’t consider early enough. And those missteps? They can cost time, money, and a whole lot of frustration. Here’s what to look out for before signing anything.
1. Choosing Without Checking the Site First
A forklift can look great on paper. The specs make sense, the price seems fair, but that doesn’t mean it’ll work in your actual space. This is where most people slip up. They don’t walk the site and think through how the machine will actually be used.
Ask yourself:
Can it move easily down your aisles?
Will it clear doorways and low ceilings?
What’s the flooring like—smooth, sloped, uneven?
Are you working indoors, outdoors, or both?
If the forklift is too big, too heavy, or just not suited to the environment, you’ll run into problems fast. Doing a proper site check might feel like a small step, but it can stop a big mistake and ensure you find the perfect forklift for sale in Melbourne for your needs.
2. Going for the Cheapest Option
Forklifts aren’t cheap, so it’s natural to focus on price. But only looking at the upfront cost? That’s where things go wrong. What you want to look at is the total cost over time.
That includes:
- Running costs
- Maintenance
- Downtime from breakdowns
- Replacement parts
- Operator training
Sometimes the “cheap” one ends up costing more because it’s constantly in for repairs, or because it needs more fuel, or because it takes your team longer to operate. The right forklift will save money in the long run, even if it’s not the lowest price on day one.
3. Guessing Load Capacity
If you don’t know exactly what you’ll be lifting and how heavy it is, you’re just guessing. Too low? You’ll strain the machine, risk safety issues, and possibly void warranties. Too high? You’ll overpay for power you don’t actually use.
It’s not just weight either. Think about:
What shape are the loads?
How high do you need to lift them?
Are they on pallets or irregular?
Don’t assume all forklifts lift the same way. And don’t rely on “average” numbers. Look at your actual load needs, and make sure the forklift’s rated capacity covers the job, especially at full height.
4. Ignoring the Operator’s Experience
This one’s easy to miss… until your team starts using the forklift every day. A machine can tick all the technical boxes but still be uncomfortable or awkward to use. And if the operator’s uncomfortable? Productivity drops. Mistakes go up.
Some things to think about:
Is the seat adjustable and supportive?
Are the controls easy to use?
What’s visibility like from the cab?
Can the operator get in and out easily?
You want your team to be confident and efficient. That starts with choosing a forklift that actually feels good to operate. Better yet, let them test a few before you decide.
5. Not Asking About Support After Purchase
Here’s a mistake that often shows up after the forklift’s already on site. Things break. Parts wear down. You’ll need support—fast. But if the seller doesn’t offer strong after-sales service, you could be waiting days for help or stuck with costly downtime.
Before you commit, check:
How long does servicing take?
Do they have a local support team?
How easy is it to get spare parts?
Do they offer regular maintenance plans?
A forklift is a long-term investment. You want backup from someone who’ll pick up the phone when things go wrong, not just someone who disappears after the sale.
6. Not Thinking Ahead
Right now, you might only need one forklift. But what about a year from now? If business grows—or if your work changes—you want to make sure today’s purchase still makes sense later on.
Think about whether the forklift can scale with your workload, if it works across different areas of your business, and whether it fits into a future fleet setup.
Buying something too basic might box you in. But buying something too advanced can be overkill. There’s a middle ground, choosing something reliable and flexible enough to grow with you.
Worth Taking Your Time
There’s a lot to think through when buying a forklift for the first time. And while it can feel like just another piece of equipment, the impact on your operations is huge.
A good seller won’t pressure you into the wrong machine. They’ll ask about your site, your loads, and your team, and they’ll help you figure out what actually fits. So don’t rush it. Ask questions, get a demo, and trust your gut if something feels off.