How to Buy an Electric Forklift from China and advantage of it?

As we all know, forklifts are essential tools for mechanizing logistics operations, reducing the workload of workers, and improving operational efficiency. They are highly versatile, maneuverable, and have a wide range of motion. Chinese products are also known for their high quality and low prices, and many people now buy Chinese goods online. As large industrial machinery, how can we purchase electric forklifts from China? This article will briefly explain how to buy electric forklifts from China.

First, what is an electric forklift?

An electric forklift is an industrial vehicle that operates using electricity. It uses a battery as its power source, driving the travel motor and hydraulic system motor, enabling travel and loading and unloading operations. Electric forklifts are currently used in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, transportation, warehousing, postal services, wholesale, and retail. They have become a versatile and diverse range of mechanical equipment used in logistics, transportation, loading and unloading, and warehousing. Electric forklifts come in a wide variety of styles, ranging from small to large, including electric pallet truck jacks, electric stackers, electric forklift trucks, and reach trucks.

Electric Pallet truck jack — Pallet truck

Well-known electric forklift brands include Toyota, Crown, and Hyster. However, while these brands offer high quality, they are expensive, making them less affordable for budget-conscious customers.

With advances in motor and battery technology, electric forklifts have significantly improved their load capacity and range, replacing internal combustion forklifts in many applications.

Advantages of Electric Forklifts vs. Diesel Forklifts

Energy Stability: Electric forklifts are powered by electricity, which can come from a variety of sources, including wind, tidal, nuclear, solar, and thermal power. These diverse energy sources can help us break free from our dependence on oil and other energy sources, which are often highly dependent on global stability. For example, the impact of the Russia-Ukraine war caused oil prices to rise in Europe. Price Advantage: The main advantage of electric forklifts is that small-tonnage electric forklifts are generally cheaper than diesel forklifts, and electricity is often cheaper than fuel.

LPG forklift and diesel forklifts — LPG forklift and diesel forklift

Application Advantages: Electric forklifts are environmentally friendly material handling vehicles, quiet and flameless, making them suitable for indoor use and various explosion-proof environments.

Flexibility: Electric forklifts use a DC power supply and controller to control movement and material handling, providing stable and flexible power, making them suitable for most people.

Intelligence: Electric forklifts can be used for fleet management and vehicle monitoring.

How to Buy an Electric Forklift?

While you can buy branded forklifts locally, such as in Australia, the price may be higher. However, their quality may be comparable to electric forklifts purchased from China, and customization with additional features, colors, and logos is not possible. You can purchase the forklift you need from us. As a professional forklift manufacturer, we support a variety of customization options, including battery capacity and forklift accessories. We can provide you with high-quality and affordable forklifts, saving you significant purchase costs and future maintenance costs.

1. Confirm the electric forklift you need.

First, determine the tonnage of the machine you want to purchase, including the required lifting height and features such as side shift and free lift (suitable for container handling). For example, a 5,000-pound electric forklift has a rated load of 5,000 lb, meaning it can only lift 5,000 lb to a height of three meters. If you need to lift a similar weight to a height of 3.5 meters, you’ll need a forklift with a larger tonnage. The specific capacity can be determined based on the load diagram. Additionally, you’ll need to select a suitable forklift based on your work environment, including the required turning radius and operating mode, such as a stand-up forklift.

2. Purchasing Platform

You can purchase forklifts through platforms like Amazon and Alibaba. However, purchasing from these platforms can incur additional fees, such as transfer fees. You can purchase forklifts directly from us. We accept a 30% deposit and will send you photos and videos of the customized forklift for your confirmation before shipment, eliminating the worry of purchasing a useless machine.

3.Mode of transportation

Electric forklifts, due to their large-capacity batteries, are often shipped by sea. Trade terms include CIF, FOB, and DDP (Delivery Duty Paid), similar to other products purchased from China. We typically use wooden crates when shipping electric forklifts to ensure the machine is not damaged and parts are not lost.

5T electric forklift with wooden package

4. Import Customs Clearance

You can handle customs clearance yourself if you have experience. Since electric forklifts use motors, not engines, their emissions fully comply with local emission standards and are encouraged as environmentally friendly equipment, making importation easy. If you lack customs clearance experience, that’s not a problem. We have partnered with freight forwarders we can recommend, who will handle customs clearance and even provide door-to-door delivery. DDP (Delivery Duty Paid) is an acceptable option for you. Simply pay and wait for the machine to be delivered to your door.

5. Charging and Use After Receiving the Product

Since the machine has been in transit for over a month, the battery is almost depleted, much like a cell phone on standby. The first thing to do upon receiving the product is to charge it. First, you need to connect the battery and the electric forklift, red wire to red wire, black wire to black wire. Do not touch any buttons (unless instructed to do so by the manufacturer). Follow the video below to connect the battery.

FAQ

Buying a used electric forklift or an auctioned electric forklift truck?

Because we are unfamiliar with the condition of used or auctioned electric forklifts, there is a high probability of problems with the forklift you purchase. We strongly recommend against purchasing used or auctioned electric forklifts. The cost of subsequent repairs could potentially cost you enough to buy a new one.

How do I maintain an electric forklift battery?

Maintaining an electric forklift battery is simple. Avoid over-discharging and overcharging. This means avoiding a dead battery or leaving it unplugged after it’s fully charged.