Buying Tips
There are actually numerous factors to take into account when buying a forklift. Deciding on the best machine can have a big impact on everything from productivity to operating costs, to machine downtime and employee morale.
Here is a short list of factors to think about when deciding on a new or second-hand forklift. There are actually several particular questions the sales consultant has to address in order to help you select the best option that is most suitable for your business.
Step 1: Identify Your Needs
Taking the time to identify your needs will help ensure that you can 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 every day will you be utilizing this machinery? Would you be running the equipment indoors or outdoors or potentially both? How wide are your narrowest aisles to go through? Answering these questions correctly will make certain that you are satisfied with the model you select.
Step2: Used Vs. New Lift Trucks
If you are intending to utilize your lift truck more than 4 hours a day, you would probably want to buy a brand new unit. The warranty benefits alone would really be handy. A second-hand option would more than likely be adequate for infrequent applications and light duty.
Step 3: Fuel Options
The large electric lift truck batteries will allow the forklift to run for approximately 8 hours. These specific power sources make lift trucks uniquely suited for indoor application as they produce no harmful emissions. Even though electric units are generally more pricey compared to other units, they have less operating expenses. Electric forklifts are much quieter to run and do not have fuel storage needs to think about. As well, these kinds of machines have fewer moving parts so they have a longer life span because they have less parts to get worn down.
The electric forklift is not without its disadvantages however. These equipment require recharging stations that could 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 significantly 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 great to be utilized outside. Cushion tires are best to be utilized indoors and solid pneumatic tires are the perfect option for hazardous work environments where there is potential for regular tires being popped by rough terrain or sharp objects.