Buying Tips
When buying a forklift, there are lots of things to take into account because this decision can impact numerous things such as productivity, operating costs, equipment downtime, and even employee morale.
Below is a brief list of factors to think about when deciding on a new or used lift truck. There is certainly some specific questions the sales consultant should deal with in order to help you pick the best alternative which is right for your business.
Step 1: Identify Your Requirements
Making the time to identify your requirements will help ensure that you could find a capable equipment. What size are your typical loads? Are they 3,000 pounds to 35,000 pounds or even heavier? How many hours each day will you be using this equipment? Will you be running the machine outdoors or indoors or potentially both? How wide are your narrowest aisles to go through? Correctly answering these questions would ensure you are satisfied with the unit you select.
Step2: Brand new Vs. Used Lift Trucks
If you are planning to utilize your lift truck more than 4 hours per day, you will probably want to buy a brand new model. The warranty benefits alone would come in handy. A second-hand alternative will probably be adequate for infrequent applications and light duty.
Step 3: Fuel Options
Usually, the huge batteries that power electric forklifts can run for an 8 hour shift. The electric models are best suited for indoor use because they generate no harmful emissions. Even if electric units are normally more pricey compared to other models, they have lower operating expenses. Electric forklifts are a lot quieter to run and do not have fuel storage needs to consider. In addition, these kinds of machinery have less moving parts so they have a longer life span because they have fewer components to get worn down.
The electric lift truck is not without its downsides however. These equipment require recharging posts that could take as much as 8 hours th charge. There is an added 8 hours required for cooling. Recent innovations have made their way onto the market in order to significantly lessen charging time. The fast-charge technology has become a great new thing.
Step 4: Tire Choice
Common forklifts use cushion tires made up of solid rubber or they will be outfitted with pneumatic or air-filled, inflated tires. Several lift trucks will use a solid pneumatic tires, that is a combination of the two types of tire. The pneumatic tire style is best suited for outside applications. Cushion tires are perfect for indoor applications and solid pneumatic tires are the best alternative for dangerous work settings where there is a chance for standard tires being popped by rough terrain or sharp objects.