Forklift size?

[Shindig]

What size/type of forklift is everyone using?

[Donutboy]

we bought a lil propane powered toyota with solid tires. I like the side shift feature for making sure that you are on the money when loading in materials and it's a tight spot. I think the key to buying a lift, especially if this is your first one, buy one from someone who will give you support when it goes down. Because if and when it goes down, you'll want it up and running asap. You never find out when things are broken days before you need them.

[daveflintstone]

5000 lb is sufficient. Side shift is great.

[phillyaaron]

I'd also like to suggest going electric, as they don't produce aromas that can affect your product. If you do go electric, look for type EX, for explosion proof motors usable in atmospheres containing flammable vapors and dust.

[Shindig]

Great info guys! Thanks. I was spoiled and used a brad new electric side shift 8,000 pound one during training but knew I could never afford it for our start-up. I was curious about what we could get by with and the cost. I am hoping we can get one for around $5k.

[Sorghumrunner]

i use a 5000lb forklift that I borrow from our friendly neighbors, for offloading trucks and moving totes. But I want a very small 1-2000lb forklift that can navigate my tight barrel rooms. maybe even a walk behind. seems like anything less than $10k is gonna be well used. even the used forklift dealers I've talked to don't deal with lifts less than $10k.

[Shindig]

Sorghumrunner- I have been checking ebay and have found several for below $10k.

[Skaalvenn]

I'd suggest craigslist and local online equipment auctions, there's some serious deals to be had if you are patient.

Every time I check e-bay it seems I can find something for 1/2 the price (or less) elsewhere; typically local where I can go and visually inspect it.

Skål!

[Mash]

I use a Kubota L39 backhoe, but that's because we have to drive the pallets down the mountain to the truck. It is very multipurpose which fits my needs perfectly.

[Jake Holshue]

I can tell you my experience with our "forklift" has been horrible. We got a walk behind Crown electric forklift. Its powerless, it can't go for more than one day unloading without dying. It gets caught on every uneven surface outside, God forbid the sidewalk is uneven when carrying a load. Plus we have no garage door, so every time I use it inside I need to disassemble it, and set the forks in narrow so it will fit through the door. Then reset the forks once I am inside, then repeat when I move it back outside. I swear I am going to drive that thing off of the highest mountain I can find....

That last one is a joke... it wouldn't make it down the street....

Jake

[bdkolstad]

An EX-style forklift would be great, but most of the used ones I'm seeing start north of $25K.

[daveflintstone]

My 5000 lb propane was $4800 plus a case of vodka. Used but well maintained, found on craigslist. Yes an electric is great but more than I could afford at the time.

[Michaelangelo]

We had an issue with the Fire Marshall only allowing electric. He didn't want the propane in the building where we already had a flammable. You might want to check with your local officials before buying something. I'm just say'in.

[GeekSpirits]

I have a used Nissan that has a 3000b capacity, electric with side shift. Paid $6500 with the charger. Works great and is the workhorse in the distillery. I actually think it would have been impossible to assemble my still without it.

[Rado Distilling]

We bought at Catapillar 4,000lb electric with side shift for $6K with the charger and delivery the only problem with it is its a quad mast that can lift to 258" so its really hard to see through it to what you're picking up.

[kckadi]

I have two (not on purpose, just worked out like that), a 2000 electric crown 'shelf picker' rated at 3500lbs for $3200 (including the charger) on craigs. Its great but you need a very flat and level floor and I can't go in my parking lot as the small roller wheels get hung up. Since I have to unload/load in my parking lot I picked up a 1978 propane hyster rated at 3200lbs off of craigs for $1300. The Crown is great in the shop as its very maneuverable. The older a lift is the harder it is to get parts. I had to rebuild a tilt cylinder in the Hyster and getting the correct seal kit was tough.