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Toyota can take care of all your material handling needs.

Toyota can take care of all your material handling needs.

Toyota can take care of all your material handling needs.

Toyota can take care of all your material handling needs.

Toyota can take care of all your material handling needs.

Forklift Buying Guide

toyota core electric forklift
Posted: April 13, 2026
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Buying a forklift is a significant investment and should not be taken lightly. When purchasing a new forklift or a forklift fleet, there are many factors to consider, and not all of them are focused solely on forklift specs.

 

At Toyota, we realize that the decision to invest in capital equipment takes time and careful consideration.

 

The guide below can help you make the best decision when choosing your forklift. Carefully consider each section: first, equipment choices, followed by operational considerations.

Product-Based Questions to Ask When Buying a Forklift

To make an informed decision about which forklift to purchase, it's essential to thoroughly understand both available products and your specific operational needs. Take the time to evaluate your operations and consider how selecting the right type of equipment can enhance efficiency. The following questions can help you get started. 

Technical Questions to Consider

Electric vs. Internal Combustion

 
  1. Do you need an electric or an internal combustion (IC) engine? Electric forklifts are powered by batteries, while IC forklifts are powered by traditional engines that run on different types of fuel. 

  2. Do you need to handle food? If yes, you may want to consider an electric forklift due to the lack of fumes.

Height, Weight, Width, and Mast Height

 
  1. What is the width of your aisles? If your aisle space is narrow, you may need a 3-Wheel Electric Forklift or a Stand-Up Rider model. For even narrower aisles, an Order Picker or Reach Truck may be a better solution. 
  2. How much weight are you lifting? Make sure to purchase a forklift that can handle more than your heaviest load. 
  3. How high do you need to lift a load? Purchase a forklift that can lift a load to your maximum height.
  4. Will you be loading or unloading from trailers? If so, get a forklift designed for tight spaces. Pay particular attention to the lowered mast height of the forklift. 

Indoors vs. Outdoors

 
  1. Will you be driving the forklift indoors or outdoors? This will determine what type of tires you need. Cushion tires are best on concrete, while pneumatic tires are best for asphalt, hard dirt, or firm gravel. 

Shift Cycles and Usage

 
  1. How many hours a week will you use the forklift? Used forklifts are great if you only need them for a few hours a day. If you plan to run your forklift for four or more hours a day, consider a new model. 

Business-Based Questions to Ask When Buying a Forklift

In addition to reflecting on the daily usage of your forklift or forklift fleet, you should also consider how your purchasing decisions will affect your business. Consider these questions before investing:
 
 
  1. Should I rent a model before I take the step toward purchasing? You would not purchase a car without a test drive, so you should not purchase a forklift without a test either. Request a demo or a short-term rental to test the forklift in your facility.
  2. Should I be loyal to my brand or change brands? Maintaining a one-brand forklift fleet allows operators to move easily between vehicles (assuming they’ve been trained on each different type). We are confident you will find Toyota’s products to be top-of-the-line and the leader in quality, durability, and overall value. Reach out to a Toyota Dealer if you have questions about maintaining a one-brand fleet. 
  3. What is the lifetime value of my forklift? Make sure you choose a forklift you can afford over its lifetime; focusing on the upfront cost can be a costly mistake. 
  4. Is now the right time to buy a forklift? There are many reasons to buy a forklift at the right time, and not all of them have to do with what is happening in your facility. Pay close attention to market trends, supply chain developments, and even changes in government policies. 
  5. Should I rent, lease, or buy? Buying brand new isn't your only financial option, and sometimes it is not the best one. Consider all your options and decide which is best for you.

 

If it's difficult to answer these questions or you are unsure where to start, talk to the professionals. Contact your local Toyota Dealer today, and they’ll help you find the best solution for your operation.

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