Buying Tips
There are lots of factors to take into account when purchasing a forklift. Deciding on the best equipment could have a huge impact on everything from productivity to operating expenses, to machine downtime and employee morale.
Below is a brief list of factors to think about when deciding on a new or second-hand forklift. There is certainly some specific questions the sales consultant should deal with in order to help you choose the best alternative which is best for your company.
Step 1: Identify Your Requirements
Making the time to identify your needs will help ensure that you can find a capable machine. What size are your typical loads? Are they 3,000 pounds to 35,000 pounds or even heavier? How many hours each day would you be using this machinery? Would you be running the machine outdoors or indoors or possibly both? How wide are your narrowest aisles to travel through? Answering these questions accurately would ensure you are satisfied with the model you pick.
Step2: Second-hand Vs. New Forklifts
If you are intending to utilize your forklift more than 4 hours per day, you would probably want to purchase a brand new unit. The warranty benefits alone will really be handy. A second-hand choice would more than likely be enough for light duty and infrequent applications.
Step 3: Fuel Options
Usually, the huge batteries that power electric lift trucks could run for an 8 hour shift. The electric models are best suited for indoor applications because they generate no harmful emissions. Even if electric models are normally more pricey than other models, they have lower operating costs. Electric lift trucks are a lot quieter to run and do not have fuel storage needs to consider. As well, these equipment have fewer moving parts so they have a longer life span since they have less components to get worn down.
The electric forklift is not without its disadvantages however. These machinery require recharging stations which may take as long as 8 hours th charge. There is an additional 8 hours required for cooling. Recent innovations have made their way onto the market so as to considerably reduce charging time. The fast-charge technology has become a great new thing.
Step 4: Tire Choice
Lift Trucks are outfitted with either pneumatic or inflated, air-filled tires or cushion tires which are made up of solid rubber. There are actually also solid pneumatic tires that are a combination of the two. The pneumatic tire type is great for outside use. Cushion tires are best to be used indoors and solid pneumatic tires are the perfect choice for hazardous work environments where there is a risk for regular tires being popped by rough terrain or sharp objects.