I have a small construction outfit and have recently signed up some jobs in an industial/commercial setting.Haven't done these jobs in a while.

We need to have a forklift on site.Many years ago I would rent them,but I guess the equipment places wised up to the fact that construction guys abuse the equipment...it's a bit more than lifting pallets in a warehouse.

Our uses are to move building materials and equipment around site,carrying pallets of construction debris,removing ceiling hung heating units and loosening framed walls and mezzanines during demolition.Most of the work is inside on a concrete slab,but some is outside also. The site's floor are not always pristine clean,the forklift may have to run over a 2x4 once in a while (with the mast down).

I would like a propane fuel forklift,with a mast than can lift up to 16 feet at least.Want to be able to trailer the forklift to the site on a Bobcat trailer,so forklift can't weigh much more than 10.000 pounds.So I guess that will make it a 5000 pound unit?

I'm looking used,budget is about $5k,we don't use the forklifts enough(yet) to justify paying more.

I have a little time to look.What are your suggestions,basically know nothing about forklifts.We service our own vehicles and equipment,so we can do a little work on these things.I'm sure we could rent used with an option to buy,but I want to do it with the right unit if I go that way.I'm around NYC,any help appreciated.

This may read like a "wanted " or "looking for" ad,but I'm really just trying to get some tips and direction for my quest.