SLISKI SERVICE

Forklift Buyers Guide

Pneumatic Tire Forklifts:
Pneumatic forklifts are equipped with air filled pneumatic tires that are typically used outside on yard surfaces such as crushed concrete, packed gravel, or stabilized limestone. Pneumatic tire forklifts are not recommended to be used on loose dirt, except on a very limited basis, as long as it's well packed and not muddy. Pneumatic tire forklifts can also be used on hard, smooth surfaces such as concrete. Forklifts with pneumatic tires have a larger turning radius than cushion warehouse forklifts.   Internal combustion pneumatic forklifts (propane, gasoline, and diesel) will generate more power than electric forklifts, and move quicker over long distances.  Ease of refueling is also an advantage with I.C. forklifts. warehouse tire forklifts and liftrucks. Due to their capacity Internal combustion pneumatic liftrucks can be used in a wide variety of applications.   Capacities from 3,000lbs-105,000lbs.

Three-Wheel Forklifts:
Three-wheel electric forklifts primarily have cushion tires, and are used mainly indoors. These forklifts are sometimes preferred over four-wheel forklifts due to their tighter turning radius. Three-wheel forklifts are good for unloading trucks, and moving pallets and other loads throughout a warehouse or on smooth surfaces where maneuverability and space requirements make four-wheel forklifts inefficient. Electric forklifts have the lowest overall operating cost.  Capacities range from 3,000lbs – 5,000lbs.

Four-Wheel Electric Forklifts:
Four-wheel electric warehouse forklifts come with either cushion or pneumatic tires. Electric forklifts fitted with cushion tires are mainly indoor forklifts that run on smooth surfaces. Since electric forklifts do not release emissions they work well where ventilation is poor or in a sanitary environment.  Electric forklifts have the lowest overall operating cost.  Capacities range from 3,000lbs-30,000lbs.

Reach Trucks:
These electric forklifts are commonly referred to as narrow-aisle forklifts. These forklifts are designed to rack pallets on smooth surfaces. Single-reach forklifts can extend the distance of one pallet. Double-reach forklifts can extend the distance of two pallets. Outriggers on the front of the forklift support the weight of the load. Capacities range from 2,500lbs – 5,500lbs.

Order-Pickers:
These electric forklifts are commonly referred to as order-pickers, stock-pickers or man-up forklifts. The rider stands on an elevating platform along with the forks, so they may rise with the forklift to select a load. These units can be used in very narrow aisles. Capacities are normally 3,500lbs.

Turret Forklifts:
These forklifts can be used in very narrow aisles and employ a rotating mast. The masts of these forklifts rotate 90 degrees so that the operator can pick up a load from either side without turning the base of the forklift. Capacities range from 3,000lbs – 8,000lbs.

Stand-up Counter Balance Forklifts:
These electric forklifts are well-suited for the quick loading and unloading of trucks, in conditions were the rider might frequently need to mount and dismount from the forklift. These forklifts are used primarily indoors on smooth surfaces. Capacities range from 3,000lbs – 5,500lbs.

Many business owners and managers like you are discovering that forklifts are a great investment for their particular operation.  But searching for a forklift can be overwhelming.  Below are a few questions that can help you with your forklift purchase:

1.) I know nothing about a forklift, except I need one! Where do I start?  
The first point of consideration is: what do you want the forklift to do? What is the heaviest weight you will be lifting with the forklift? How high do you want the forklift to lift? Where will the forklift be used? (What type of surface will the forklift operate on?) How much will you use the forklift every day? What type of fuel do you want to power your forklift? (gas, L.P. gas, diesel, or electric battery powered.) What is your forklift budget and how much do you want to spend?  
These are the questions that need to be answered when you are considering buying a forklift. Call and let us help you with your needs!

2.) What type of fuel is the best for forklifts- internal combustion (Gas, LPG, Diesel) or electric?  
It depends on your application. Each power source has its advantages and disadvantages. Internal combustion engines have more variable power, generate more torque, and are much more mobile in that refueling the forklift can be done anywhere. They do, however, require more maintenance and emit noticeable emissions. Electric forklifts have the lowest overall operating cost.  Electric forklifts are fume free, have less moving parts, which means less overall maintenance, quiet and clean, and easy to use. Their drawback is an eight hour recharge time when it runs out of power and the forklift needs to be returned to a charger every time.   How and where you use a forklift will be a big determinate in what will be best for you. We can provide the solution if you ask us!

3.) Can you put pneumatic tires on a solid tire forklift? 
No, this is physically impossible due to the frame differences between a solid tire forklift and a forklift with pneumatic tires.  
Some forklift manufacturers made a model that would take either tire, but they are still a bit of a compromise between a solid and a pneumatic.

4.) Do you have leasing available? 
Yes, we have leasing available for forklift purchases large or small. There are lease terms from twelve to sixty months with payments affordable to your budget. We usually have an approval within twenty four to thirty six hours.  
Call us and we will provide all the information you need! It is easy!

5.) Do you check out the forklifts you offer for sale?
Yes, we check every forklift to make certain how it will operate and repair what is not working, or determine the repairs needed and advise you of its condition. 
We want to be certain you get a good forklift at a good value!

6.) What are different types of forklifts. What are the differences?
Cushion Tire Warehouse Forklifts


These forklifts have a tighter turning radius that their pneumatic tire counterparts, but operation is limited to hard smooth surfaces.  Internal combustion forklifts (propane, gasoline, and diesel) will generate more power than electric forklifts, and move quicker over long distances.  Ease of refueling is also an advantage with I.C. forklifts.  Propane forklifts can be used indoors where there is some ventilation.  Capacities range from 3,000lbs-100,000lbs.

(315) 337-6554

6216 Coleman Mills Road Oriskany, NY 13424

COMPANY, INC.