Buying Tips
When purchasing a forklift, there are numerous factors to take into account since this decision could impact lots of things such as production, operating expenses, equipment downtime, and even worker morale.
When you are thinking of choosing a new or used lift truck, the following is a short list of things to take into account. There are actually some specific questions the sales consultant should address to be able to help you select the best option which is best for your company.
Step 1: Identify Your Requirements
Making the time to identify your requirements will help ensure that you can find a capable machine. What size are your average loads? Are they 3,000 pounds to 35,000 pounds or even heavier? How many hours every day would you be using this equipment? Would you be running the equipment outdoors or indoors or potentially both? How wide are your narrowest aisles to travel through? Accurately answering these questions will ensure you are happy with the model you pick.
Step2: Second-hand Vs. New Forklifts
You may want to buy a brand new unit of forklift if you are planning to utilize your forklift for more than 4 hours a day. The warranty benefits alone would come in handy. A used alternative would probably be enough for light duty and infrequent applications.
Step 3: Fuel Options
Typically, the large batteries that power electric lift trucks can run for an 8 hour shift. The electric units are best suited for indoor use since they generate no harmful emissions. Even if electric models are normally more expensive than other units, they have less operating expenses. Electric forklifts are a lot quieter to run and do not have fuel storage needs to consider. Additionally, these equipment have less moving components so they have a longer life span since they have less components to get worn down.
Amongst the disadvantages of the battery operated lift trucks is that they need battery recharging stations and this could take about 8 hours. There is an added 8 hours needed for cooling. Recent innovations have made their way onto the market so as to significantly reduce charging time. The fast-charge technology has become a wonderful new thing.
Step 4: Tire Choice
Lift Trucks are equipped with either pneumatic or air-filled, inflated tires or cushion tires that are made up of solid rubber. There is certainly also solid pneumatic tires that are a combination of the two. The pneumatic tire style is best suited for outside use. Cushion tires are great to be utilized indoors and solid pneumatic tires are the best alternative for hazardous work settings where there is potential for standard tires being popped by sharp objects on rough terrain.