Discussion:
Help me please forklift advise

I'm buying 3 wheel forklift 3K-3.5k capacity.
Have 3 quotes. DOOSAN, Model #: B18T-5 36V for $25,8000, Crown SC5220-30 for $26,988, Komatsu TCM FTB16-7 for $29,430.

Please let me know which is best. Should I look for Cat, Yale, Hyster, or Hyundai?

I really appreciate any advice.
  • Posted 1 Jan 2013 12:14
  • Modified 1 Jan 2013 12:18 by poster
  • By Natan
  • joined 1 Jan'13 - 4 messages
  • New Jersey, United States
Live right
Showing items 21 - 34 of 34 results.
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.
  • Posted 28 Feb 2013 07:01
  • By Natan
  • joined 1 Jan'13 - 4 messages
  • New Jersey, United States
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.
  • Posted 28 Feb 2013 06:16
  • By duodeluxe
  • joined 11 Feb'05 - 923 messages
  • United States
duodeluxe
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"
  • Posted 28 Feb 2013 06:02
  • By bbforks
  • joined 1 Mar'12 - 1,437 messages
  • Pennsylvania, United States
bbforks (at) Hotmail (dot) com
Customers love technology- until they have to pay to fix it!
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.
  • Posted 28 Feb 2013 00:39
  • By swoop223
  • joined 23 Mar'12 - 3,691 messages
  • North Carolina, United States
You've been swooped!
swoop223@gmail.com
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?
  • Posted 27 Feb 2013 22:39
  • By duodeluxe
  • joined 11 Feb'05 - 923 messages
  • United States
duodeluxe
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
  • Posted 27 Feb 2013 06:17
  • By lifter01
  • joined 4 Jul'09 - 461 messages
  • West Yorkshire, United Kingdom
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,
  • Posted 26 Feb 2013 12:11
  • By Natan
  • joined 1 Jan'13 - 4 messages
  • New Jersey, United States
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.
  • Posted 26 Feb 2013 00:18
  • By 7777
  • joined 8 Mar'11 - 649 messages
  • New York, United States
thanks for the assistance. JCFORKLIFT@gmail.COM
OK Natan,
you got all this solid & free advise - what did you buy & why or are you still "shopping for dresses"?.
  • Posted 25 Feb 2013 20:36
  • By johnr_j
  • joined 3 Jun'06 - 1,452 messages
  • Georgia, United States
"Have An Exceptional Day!"
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.
  • Posted 25 Feb 2013 13:12
  • By tcmtom
  • joined 5 Feb'12 - 8 messages
  • Alberta, Canada
Only 20% of ownership cost is the purchase price-80% comes after the sale. Get quotes from all dealers in your area. Compare prices & warranties. Lastly, & most important, is the dealer's service record. You will be married to this dealer as long as you have the unit if you want dealer service.

I'd personally make a decision, then lease the unit for a year. I recomend this so that you can check their service & not be locked into a long term situation- just my 2 cents
  • Posted 3 Jan 2013 23:34
  • By bbforks
  • joined 1 Mar'12 - 1,437 messages
  • Pennsylvania, United States
bbforks (at) Hotmail (dot) com
Customers love technology- until they have to pay to fix it!
first question should be how many hours do i use it 500 hours or 2500 hours a year cheap or quility
  • Posted 3 Jan 2013 14:51
  • By AAPEE
  • joined 28 Aug'12 - 76 messages
  • Brussels, Belgium
yes i would also check with the other mfg's too
cat, yale and hyster also make a pretty decent 3 wheel sitdown but like john said, do your research on the dealers involved and make sure they have a good service history. 3 wheel lifts are a fairly unique breed and from my experience i tend to lean towards the cat or yale for dependablilty and servicability.
  • Posted 2 Jan 2013 21:33
  • By swoop223
  • joined 23 Mar'12 - 3,691 messages
  • North Carolina, United States
You've been swooped!
swoop223@gmail.com
I would vote for the Crown (never have or ever will worked for Crown) but what is most important is the support and reputation of the dealer that will be buying from - check that out carefully you are buying the whole package response time, rental units available, service rentals, on shelf parts availability, a knowledgeable sales rep (do the always have to call someone to get an answer) and the dealer personnel behind them - get references fro m customers that are in you same business. Of course no one will give a list of bad references or sell you a lift that is less than (heavy duty). A price quote never tells you the whole story - only that some prices are higher and lower than others and those prices today can change from day to day.
Almost forgot - when you are comparing proposals - CAREFULLY evaluate the battery & charger specification - Make, Model, capacities ( the charger should match the battery AHC within + or - 5%, single or three phase - watch out for someone who is offering a 110 volt battery charger. Battery warranties can be tricky also - some will say they have a 5 year warranty - but a portion of the 5 years maybe prorated - ask questions - get all answers in writing. I had a large customer that told me - "If a sales person only gives me a verbal answer, I believe nothing he said. If he puts it in writing - I believe about 50% of what he wrote."
  • Posted 1 Jan 2013 21:24
  • Modified 3 Jan 2013 02:15 by poster
  • By johnr_j
  • joined 3 Jun'06 - 1,452 messages
  • Georgia, United States
"Have An Exceptional Day!"

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