You are so right duo- getting unbiased information is very difficult to come by. Just look at all the different responses when end users ask "What forklift's are best?". I have no idea where Just-a-guy is getting his information.

In the end- almost every truck has some sort of advantage in some way- the key is to match those advantages to your needs.
Of course, some trucks aren't worth the metal their made of.

Just-a-guy;
Can you tell me the name of the "multiple industry magazines" are? I would love to see those articles
All of the industry specific magazines I have seen are so afraid of offending possible advertisers that I always expect to see "Circle 139 for more information" at the end of each article.

Natan,

What is really amazing is that you actually looked at the three cheapest made forklifts in the country. Did you take the time to really evaluate your needs? Today, the best performing 3 wheel electric truck on the market is the Linde 346 series. Yet, you did not consider Toyota or Linde in your review. Your boss gave you an assignment and ended up choosing something you did not even consider. Maybe it was a test! Here is a recommendation, always evaluate the need first. Determine what exactly you require and then in the case of Material handling Equipment, know who is in the industry and who services your area. You reviewed the three cheapest and worst performing trucks as cited in multiple industry magazines and wait for it, wait for it, the three highest cost to maintain trucks. Next time, a little more work, call a few people, talk to other people in your own industry. Know what you need and what the work cycle is going to be and you will be able to make the best decision for your organization.

Your right, great philosophy

I have worked it out a little differently, using a bit of reverse logic. I tell the customers that ask me what is a good forklift, up front I say that I never met a good forklift, all the forklifts people want me to look at are broken already, but then I tell them to buy the cheapest forklift they an find, and that -I- will NOT complain at all, when they have to spend a lot of money (with me) to fix it up to the level it would have been if they let me 'spec out' the forklift for them.

In this case, the boss wasn't looking at price, because he didn't know the prices. Once he decided to get involved, he spoke to someone he considered an expert, and that guy told him to get the Toyota, and that was that.

The other odd thing is that when you can talk with the owner and he tells you he want an 8000# pneumatic with triple mast, diesel and dual drive sometimes they end with with a 6,000# lp cushion with a standard mast. And they say well I did want that but the price on this one was really good.
The lesson is that Budget dictates need.

You're so right swoop- the ole mighty dollar is always paramount!
They always look at the purchase price & figure that service & parts will be a wash with whatever brand they buy.

I've had folks ask me my opinion on certain lifts, and even after I tell them not to buy it (or sometimes not even take it for free), if they want it, they buy it! Sometimes the hardest part of my job is not biting off my tongue trying not to say"I told you so"

well duo its simple
"Isn't it amazing that the boss asks someone to do all of the research and then they make a decision without any of your input."
explanation: he already had his mind made up before he even asked, he just involved other people to make it appear like he was involving the other employees and not just making big decisions because he was the boss leaving everyone else out.


"I also get a kick out of the fact that when people buy a forklift truck on the internet they absolutely trust every word that they're being told but they take everything that a local supplier tells them with a huge grain of salt. A little backwards heh? ?
yep everything on the internet is indisputable truth and dealers are scum of the earth in thier minds because they don't get billed from the internet, they get billed by the dealer hehe ;o)

i guess if you sum it all up it all leads back to the cost, money is ALWAYS in the forefront of thier minds :o)

unfortunately they look at the cost of purchasing a lift but don't consider the service end and parts costs when they are repaired. In Toyota's case, yes they can price thier lifts very low but what is almost never considered in the decision making is the service and parts costs which I've found they make up for in the $$ loss they suffered in the sale of the lift.
Their pricing on parts and labor are rather high.

Isn't it amazing that the boss asks someone to do all of the research and then they make a decision without any of your input. A total waste of time! And I can tell you, on the selling end it's just as frustrating.
If you were to ask the boss why he decided on brand X they typically say that the guy that rebuilds our starters) or someone like that with no knowledge of the industry)said that is the only way to go.
I also get a kick out of the fact that when people buy a forklift truck on the internet they absolutely trust every word that they're being told but they take everything that a local supplier tells them with a huge grain of salt. A little backwards heh?

Dont know about over your side of the pond but over here Toyota have taking a big hit with reliabilty i would have gone with the Crown SC good luck with the Toyota the tech will be driving through your gates soon to fix it

I was going to buy the Crown with an option of all ac motors, but at the last minute, boss talked with someone and decided to get a Toyota. The toyota is all ac and a little cheaper in price, so it seems like a good choice. I am not sure why when I did research I did not see the Toyota brand,

If your not purchasing new, you can get a 4000lbs elec dock truck for about $15k. Raymond makes an excellant Pacer, not too much priporty software, recond, 6 month warrantee. Turn radius 60.5", 83"/204". Any questions be happy to answer.

OK Natan,
you got all this solid & free advise - what did you buy & why or are you still "shopping for dresses"?.

The TCM line is a great option and with the TCM warranty is good and Japanese technology is always a good way to go with this. Also with TCM the company is solid and built right in the USA no bringing in machines from Mexico or china.