Buying Tips
There can be lots of factors to take into consideration when purchasing a lift truck. Deciding on the best machinery could have a big effect on everything from production to operating expenses, to equipment downtime and employee morale.
Below is a short list of factors to think about when deciding on a brand new or used forklift. There is certainly some particular questions the sales consultant must deal with in order to help you choose the best alternative that is right for your company.
Step 1: Identify Your Needs
Taking the time to identify your requirements will help ensure that you can find a capable machinery. 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 utilizing this machinery? Would you be running the machine indoors or outdoors or possibly both? How wide are your narrowest aisles to go through? Correctly answering these questions would ensure you are satisfied with the model you choose.
Step2: Used Vs. New Forklifts
If you are intending to utilize your forklift more than 4 hours per day, you would probably want to buy a new model. The warranty benefits alone would really be handy. A second-hand alternative would more than likely be adequate for light duty and infrequent applications.
Step 3: Fuel Options
Normally, the huge batteries that power electric lift trucks can run for an 8 hour shift. The electric models are best suited for indoor applications because they generate no harmful emissions. Although electric units are normally more expensive compared to various other types of forklifts, they have lower operating costs. Electric lift trucks are much quieter to run and do not have fuel storage needs to consider. In addition, these types of machinery have fewer moving components so they have a longer life span as they have fewer components to get worn down.
The electric forklift is not without its disadvantages though. These machinery need recharging posts that could take as much as 8 hours th charge. There is an additional 8 hours needed for cooling. Recent innovations have made their way onto the market in order to considerably lessen charging time. The fast-charge technology has become a great new thing.
Step 4: Tire Choice
Lift Trucks are equipped with either pneumatic or inflated, air-filled tires or cushion tires that are made up of solid rubber. There are also solid pneumatic tires which are a combination of the two. The pneumatic tire type is great to be used outside. Cushion tires are best for interior applications and solid pneumatic tires are the perfect alternative for hazardous work settings where there is a risk for standard tires being popped by rough terrain or sharp objects.