Buying Tips
When buying a forklift, there is certainly a lot of factors to take into account since this decision can impact lots of things such as production, operating costs, equipment downtime, and even employee morale.
Below is a short list of factors to consider when deciding on a brand new or second-hand lift truck. There are several particular questions the sales consultant must deal with to be able to help you select the best alternative that is right for your company.
Step 1: Identify Your Requirements
Taking the time to identify your requirements will help ensure that you can find a capable machine. What size are your standard loads? Are they 3,000 pounds to 35,000 pounds or even heavier? How many hours every day would you be using this machine? Will you be running the machine outdoors or indoors or potentially both? How wide are your narrowest aisles to travel through? Correctly answering these questions will ensure you are happy with the model you select.
Step2: Second-hand Vs. New Lift Trucks
You might want to purchase a new unit of forklift if you are planning to use your forklift for more than 4 hours a day. The warranty benefits alone will really be handy. A used alternative will more than likely be adequate for infrequent applications and light duty.
Step 3: Fuel Options
Typically, the huge batteries that power electric lift trucks can run for an 8 hour shift. The electric units are best suited for indoor use because they produce no harmful emissions. Even if electric models are normally more pricey compared to various other types of forklifts, they have lower operating costs. Electric lift trucks are a lot quieter to run and do not have fuel storage requirements to take into account. Additionally, these machines have fewer moving parts so they have a longer life span since they have fewer components to get worn down.
One of the disadvantages of the battery operated forklifts is that they need battery recharging stations and this could take roughly 8 hours. There is an added 8 hours required for cooling. Recent changes have made their way onto the market so as to significantly lessen charging time. The fast-charge technology has become a great new thing.
Step 4: Tire Choice
Common forklifts utilize cushion tires made up of solid rubber or they will be equipped with pneumatic or inflated, air-filled tires. Some lift trucks will utilize a solid pneumatic tires, which is a combination of the two kinds of tire. The pneumatic tire type is great for outside use. Cushion tires are perfect for interior applications and solid pneumatic tires are the perfect alternative for hazardous work settings where there is a possibility for regular tires being popped by rough terrain or sharp objects.