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The right lift
for your business

Supplying forklifts since 1976

What we do

Since 1976 H&F Trucks have provided local business with high quality materials handling solutions. For nearly four decades we have achieved steady growth year on year, enabling us to provide superior service to our customers from a stable & sustainable business platform.

Questions to Ask When Purchasing a Forklift

For a lot of businesses, a forklift is a significant investment. Unlike the paperclips, pens and pencils you order once a week, a new forklift is something you might buy every few years as your business grows, or you might make your first forklift purchase one for life.

Whichever situation you’re in, it’s a decision that can’t be made after one flick through a brochure. There’s research to be done and questions to be asked so you can find a forklift that suits your business needs. And here we’ve broken them down: 

Do I need a used or new forklift?

One of the first points you’ll likely consider when looking to buy a forklift. Both used and new forklifts have their benefits and drawbacks. Obviously, if you buy a new forklift it will likely cost more than a used one. However, a new forklift is fresh off the production line, meaning you’re the first business to make use of it and there’s no wear and tear. It will also be the latest and greatest in forklift technology, which has the potential to boost your efficiency.

The standout benefit of buying a used forklift is the cost saving. Being used, they’re significantly cheaper and the purchasing process is likely to be quicker. The drawbacks of buying a used forklift are that if you buy from an uncertified seller, you might not necessarily get the most recent model on the market and it may require a little more maintenance than a new one. So it’s important to ensure the seller you purchase from is credible and can help look after the fork lift if there are any issues.

How often will you use the forklift?

A forklift may be something you use a few times a week or it may be something your business can’t function without. Either way, this is an important factor to consider when buying a forklift. If you plan to use the forklift sporadically then it might be beneficial to consider an electric ‘walkie’ forklift, as they’re more cost effective.

A forklift that’s going to be used frequently or for a variety of purposes may require different levels of customisations for different tasks and for the comfort and safety of the driver. 

Will you be driving inside and outside?

It’s important to know exactly where you’ll be using your forklift so you can make sure you buy the right one to suit the environment. If you’re looking to use a forklift indoors only then an electric forklift may be the ideal solution. Not only because they’re quieter  and more compact than fuel forklifts, but they’re often fitted with cushioned tyres, which make them ideal for smooth surfaces or loading docks.

If you’re seeking to use your forklift outdoors then a diesel or gas forklift will suit you better, as they’re mostly fitted with pneumatic tyres that have strong traction. Making them ideal for rough or uneven terrain.

Does brand matter?

Just like any industry, there are a plethora of different forklift brands to choose from, all with their own advantages and disadvantages. Whilst it sounds tempting to choose one of the markets cheaper, smaller brands. Any savings made might be wiped out by frequent servicing and repair costs.

In short, you’re always better off going for a trusted, reputable brand with a history of providing quality machines.

As you can see, there’s a lot to take into consideration when deciding which forklift you should buy for your business. It’s important to do as much research as possible and once you’ve decided which to buy, continue to do your research, read reviews, articles and ask as many questions as you can to the seller. A forklift is a big investment, so make sure you make the right choice. 

If you’re interested in buying a used or new forklift and you’d like some advice on where to start, get in touch today.

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Testimonials

H&F have supplied us with all our fork lift equipment for in excess of ten years now, and have maintained it in accordance with our stringent operation requirements. During this time they have provided a consistently high level of service (including short term hire when required) whilst never failing to support us in a totally honest and professional manner.

Ashley Basset, Director
R G Bassett & Sons Ltd

H&F Lift Trucks are a pleasure to deal with. All staff, Technicians, Sales and Directors have hands-on experience of all ranges of vehicles they supply. From initial assessments and listening to all users of a potential new vehicle requirement, they keep us informed of all aspects of specification and lead times through to delivery. Their maintenance service is superb – they organise suitable times around our busy working day with our Yard Managers. Any accidental damage or operator error faults are always discussed with me and dealt with fairly – not like some unscrupulous suppliers who seek to profit at every service visit! In a cut-throat market, where we are offered “good deals” a few quid cheaper every day, we are never tempted to stray.

James Hipkins, Managing Director
Emerys

Pym and Wildsmith have been working closely with H&F Fork Trucks for many years. Their service is excellent, ranging from prompt callouts to breakdowns through to the supply of new trucks. We would not hesitate to recommend them.

Ian Pym, Operations Manager
Pym & Wildsmith

We cover a 30 mile radius