Beginners Guide to Purchasing Class IV Cushion Forklifts

Finding the right Cushion Forklift for your needs requires research and planning to find the most productive, cost-effective unit to maximize your productivity. We will be evaluating a multitude of factors that impact your long-term cost, maintenance down time, and whether you should buy a new or used class IV forklift.

The first step should be to request an experienced forklift professional to survey your facility. Many dealerships offer this to potential customers. Forklift manufactures, like Toyota, offer a variety of forklift options that can benefit your particular job site; your surveyor will be able to recommend the most cost-effective makes, models, and add-ons for your business.

Class IV forklifts are mainly used inside on smooth dry floors for transporting palatalized loads to and from the loading dock and warehouse. They utilize cushion tires constructed from solid rubber pressed directly onto the wheel. This position gives them a big advantage in terms of maneuverability by enabling a smaller turn radius and allows them to be used in low clearance applications.

When making a Class IV purchase many only consider the upfront cost of the unit and while this is a large factor, it’s only one small piece of a large purchase decision. You, the consumer, should make sure you know the real cost of your unit and factor in the entire “Cost of Ownership”. Toyota offers the most advanced forklifts with easy serviceability to minimize unit down time and boost your profitability hours.

Forklifts are a major purchase, ranging in cost from $10,000 to $100,000. When comparing forklifts and dealers, they must meet your needs and be up to date with new industry technology. This insures that your class IV lift and your dealer don’t fall behind with the times and your service does not become obsolete. This will help your lift to stay in-service longer and have a better operating life.

Routine service and maintenance are paramount to the long-term performance and investment return. The support of your dealer should be a key factor in your decision. A great dealership should be able to not only sell you a forklift but be able to help you maintain a maintenance schedule and provide service. Many Toyota dealerships can offer you this high level of customer care. At your intended dealer; look for the number and availability of professional service technicians, accessibility of quality parts, and first-call fix rate times. By assessing these items, you can determine your “cost of downtime” and maximize your units in-service time.

Have you considered buying a used lift? You can find reliable Class IVs by going to a reputable dealership who will help you determine which pre-owned unit is right for you. You will want to start by looking at the age of the lift. In Toyota forklifts, you can find the year and serial number stamped on or near the mast. Check service hours, history if available, condition, mast operation, tires are free of chunking and have an even ware (or ask if new tires can be installed), engine, and for leaks along the mast and tile cylinders, transmission, differential, and radiator after the lift has had time to warm up. Be sure to drive the unit and check for stability, turning and mast/ tilt movement. All should be smooth and steady. With Toyota’s SAS stability system the life, safety, and quality of your lift will be greatly extended and have fewer trips to the repair shop. You may also want to check out our used buying guide used forklift buying guide.

TIP: A 5 year old unit with 12,000 hours on it (8 hours a day, 5 days a week, at 5 years) would be considered heavy use. With that in mind, 6,000 hours or less would be preferable for a 5 year old unit.

When picking out your class IV you will want to measure a few of the entrances into your facility where the lift will operate. Get your heights and widths. When you are shopping your unit be sure to take those measurements into consideration. If your lift is too big to fit or will have every day difficulties getting to where you need it to go you could be stuck with a very expensive lawn ornament.

Class IV forklifts are the one of the most popular forklifts in America. Warehousing and distribution applications, the auto industry, general manufacturing plants and retail storefronts often utilize Toyota’s for their extreme versatility. When choosing your new or used Class IV find a quality dealer in your area to guide you. Ask questions and drive a few models. Check to see if there are accessories to fit your business’s individual needs and how servicing and maintenance can be handled. Choosing a dealer that can walk with you step by step through the life of your lift will decrease stress, halt maintenance lapse, and shorten service times. Many dealerships are proud to offer a full line of products and services that are there for you from start to finish and help your grow over the lifetime of not only your lift, but your business. With research, patience and a little tire kicking you can be on your way to proud Class IV forklift ownership.