Buying Tips
When purchasing a forklift, there can be many factors to take into consideration as this decision can impact a lot of things like production, operating expenses, equipment downtime, and even employee morale.
When you are thinking of choosing a brand new or used forklift, the following is a short list of things to take into consideration. There are some specific questions the sales consultant should deal with to be able to help you select the best alternative which is right for your company.
Step 1: Identify Your Needs
Making the time to identify your needs would 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 utilizing this equipment? Would you be running the machine indoors or outdoors or possibly both? How wide are your narrowest aisles to go through? Answering these questions correctly will make certain that you are satisfied with the unit you choose.
Step2: New Vs. Second-hand Lift Trucks
If you are intending to use your lift truck more than 4 hours per day, you would probably want to buy a brand new unit. The warranty benefits alone would come in handy. A used choice would probably be adequate for light duty and infrequent applications.
Step 3: Fuel Options
Normally, the huge batteries which power electric forklifts can run for an 8 hour shift. The electric models are best suited for indoor use since they produce no harmful emissions. Though electric models are generally more pricey than various other kinds of forklifts, they have less operating expenses. Electric forklifts are a lot quieter to run and do not have fuel storage needs to take into consideration. Additionally, these equipment have less moving components so they have a longer life span since they have fewer components to get worn down.
Amongst the downsides of the battery operated forklifts is that they need battery recharging posts and this could take roughly 8 hours. There is an additional 8 hours required for cooling. Recent changes have made their way onto the market in order to considerably reduce charging time. The fast-charge technology has become a wonderful new thing.
Step 4: Tire Choice
Lift Trucks are outfitted with either pneumatic or air-filled, inflated tires or cushion tires which are made up of solid rubber. There is certainly also solid pneumatic tires which are a combination of the two. The pneumatic tire style is perfect to be used outside. Cushion tires are perfect to be utilized inside and solid pneumatic tires are the perfect alternative for dangerous work environments where there is a risk for regular tires being popped by sharp objects on rough terrain.