My suggestion is this:

1. Read your full maintenance agreement VERY carefully. Some dealerships will try to sell you full maintenance when their full maintenance only covers PM's and most breakdowns are on your dime.

2. Make sure you have an out on the maintenance part. If the dealer starts to cry abuse because they underbid to get the contract you can stop paying the maintenance portion and get in another company.

3. I would try to split the contract between two companies. Here's why: If you do have an abuse claim, which is very likely and the dealer tries to make up some lost profits you can get a competitive quote from someone that you already have a business relationship with. Sort of keep everyone honest.

4. Forklifts are mechanical and will break, no matter what the salesperson tells you. Make sure you research the servicing dealers reputation including response time and check out their training regiment for their techs.

5. Last, get comparable parts pricing. Say, some major parts like controllers, handle assy, forks, drive tires, and also smaller items like casters, bearings, fuses, switches, etc. Maybe 20 common parts and let each dealer know if they get the contract you will make them stick with the pricing.