India Forklift Market Study Rental Companies Survey
Section 1: Forklift Usage & Channel
Preferences
1. What is the number of forklifts used at your facility?
A: Approximately 1500 forklifts are used, including manual and
automatic types, mainly in warehouses and housing.
2. Which forklift brand/brands and model/models are you currently using?
A: Brands include Neel Kamal, Nipo, and others. No specific model
numbers were provided. NIDO ND-EF 3W Series and NIDO ND-AFL
Series electric forklifts are mentioned with load capacities ranging from
1,000 kg to 2,000 kg.
3. In which application are these forklifts used?
A: Mainly for warehousing tasks such as loading/unloading, material
handling, and transportation of pellets and powders (some hazardous).
4. Approximately, how many hours per day do your forklifts operate?
A: Around 4-5 hours per day; forklift movement is limited due to space
and handling needs.
5. Why did you select the brand/brands?
A: Strong brand reliability, Price (Neel Kamal is noted for being cost-
effective), Reliable maintenance and after-sales service support
(availability of spare parts), Safety and compliance (brands with
international safety certifications preferred), Suitable financing options
mentioned but less emphasized
6. What type of forklifts do you currently use?
A: Mostly manual forklifts and battery-operated electric forklifts using
lead acid batteries; diesel and LPG forklifts are not specified. Manual
forklifts are hydraulically operated.
7. What range of forklift capacities (in tons) do you currently use, and for
what applications?
A: Mostly 2 tons capacity forklifts are used, suitable for warehouse
logistics and manufacturing material handling.
8. Why did you choose this specific tonnage?
A: The 2-ton capacity is adequate for their operational needs as
decided by the user departments.
9. How do you handle forklift maintenance?
A: Through third-party service providers; maintenance frequency is
approximately once a year, with service providers able to respond
within 24 hours.
10. How frequently do you purchase forklifts for your operations?
A: Purchase frequency varies, but replacements and new buys happen
every few years as needed (exact frequency not stated).
India Forklift Market Study Rental Companies Survey
Section 2: Supplier Evaluation & Selection
Criteria
11. Who in your company decides on new forklift purchases?
A: Operations or warehouse heads decide purchases for their
respective facilities.
12. How do you typically procure forklifts? And why?
A: Directly from manufacturers through their authorized dealers;
preference for centralized procurement to cover multiple warehouses.
13. Give reason for choosing specific sales channel.
A: Dealers provide authorized service and post-sales support, Better
service quality and availability of spare parts
Centralized control for multi-location warehouses
14. How many forklifts you procured from the following distribution
channels?
A: No exact numbers given; majority procured directly from
manufacturers via dealers.
15. What are the key factors that influence your selection of a forklift
supplier? (Rank top 5)
A:
Competitive pricing
Spare parts availability and service quality
Low maintenance and service cost
Quality and reliability
Quick response time for repairs
16. How do you do your research before buying the forklift?
A:
Online search (Google, websites)
Recommendations and feedback from peers and other industries
Hard copy brochures and direct communication with suppliers
17. How did you come to know about the current supplier and its
offerings?
A: Through company websites, brochures, direct dealer contact, and
industry peer recommendations.
18. How would you describe your after-sales service experience?
A:
Generally satisfactory with timely responses
Warranty claims and maintenance support mostly good
Spare parts availability is good but can have delays
Repair response within 24 hours
Some service issues on weekends when support is unavailable
19. When you plan your next forklift purchase, are you considering an
electric forklift?
A: Yes.
India Forklift Market Study Rental Companies Survey
If yes, what are the main reasons?
Lower total cost of ownership (fuel savings)
Less maintenance required
Environmental protection benefits
If no, what are concerns?
Not applicable here, since they are considering electric.
20. Would you consider lithium-powered electric forklifts?
A: Yes, if batteries are cost-effective and environmentally safe
compared to lead acid batteries.
Section 3: Pain Points & Satisfaction
21. How satisfied are you with your current forklift supplier(s)?
A: Between “Satisfied” and “Very Satisfied” for suppliers like Neel Kamal
and Nipo.
22. What are your top pain points while using forklifts? (Ranked)
A:
Safety concerns
High upfront cost
High cost of spare parts
Long delivery lead time
Limited availability of skilled operators
Poor after-sales service causing operational stops
Poor reliability and frequent breakdowns
Section 4: Brand Loyalty, Switching
Triggers & Price Sensitivity
23. Under what circumstances would you consider switching your
forklift brand?
A:
Better pricing
Better service quality and responsiveness
Lower service cost
Better financing or leasing terms
Better warranty
Lower total cost of ownership
Better performance/productivity
Advanced technology (e.g., telematics, automation)
India Forklift Market Study Rental Companies Survey
Customization options (attachments, ergonomic design)
24. How much did you pay for the forklift you are using? If rental then
the rental fees
A: Approximate prices for electric forklifts:
NIDO ND-EF 3W Series: ₹9,00,000 to ₹12,00,000
NIDO ND-AFL Series: ₹13,00,000 to ₹18,00,000
Rental fees were not specified.
25. Are you willing to pay a premium for higher-capacity or
technologically advanced forklifts?
A: Yes, if benefits like advanced braking, collision avoidance, or
energy-saving features are provided.
26. If switching from diesel to electric forklift, how long would you
expect it to take to recover the higher initial cost of purchase?
A: Not specifically answered; pending further information.
Additional Notes on Maintenance
General forklift maintenance costs in India via third-party providers
range between ₹5,000 to ₹10,000 per service instance.
Some providers charge approximately ₹80,000 annually for forklift
repair services.
Third-party maintenance is used and considered reliable.