Well we decided to go with a toyota, as the price was right for a 5,000 lb lift.

Buy something that fits your application and is within your budget. You must be confident that the machine can work for you.
In response to the previos post, there is no validaty in the information about komatsu. Komatsu is consolidating heir north american manufacturing facilities. They are getting ready to launch an entire new line that will primarly be focused on electric innovation.

Jason,

I'm heard Komatsu has shut down production in the US and moved it all back to Japan. Also, there's a rumor they're dropping the forklift division and going back to only earth moving vehicles. I personally wouldn't go down that rode. I just worked with a guy who has 6 4000# Komatsus in a warehouse application and he hates them. The company wants to break the lease 2 years early to get rid of them asap.
How many hours a day are you using it? If little, I recommend a used 5000#. 5000 are dime a dozen and a little cheaper used. I personally am partial to CATs, but like ed said, everyone will tell you there's is the best. Definitely get LP is you are going outside!

The crown C5 is pretty sweet. (the new crown propane forklift) They were just released so they dont have a track record, but crown makes a great product, only time will tell I suppose.

Stuart Florida. I understand what you mean, but unfortunately theres not much info out there on what would be a good brand or if certain brand breaks down more than others. Just trying to get as much info as possible to make the best decision. We already have a Crown Electric which is great but we are expanding and looking to get another one. We would get another Crown but a propane forklift would be better for those raining south florida days.

every one is going to say the brand of forklift they know and or support is "the best".
What is "best" is a pretty tough to hit moving target. what is "best" today may ot be "best" next year.
All designs (no mater what the end product) are a set of compromises, decided for you by the experts, each believing that the compromises in their design are what is likely to be "best" in a given set of circumstances.
I generally see suggestions to talk to someone in a like business for their recommendations.
In another thread I noted that a good forklift is one I never see, since I get to see them when they are broken.
What part of Florida are you in?