Buying Tips
There can be many things to take into account when buying a forklift. Choosing the best machine can have a huge effect on everything from productivity to operating expenses, to equipment downtime and worker morale.
When you are thinking of choosing a new or second-hand lift truck, the following is a short list of things to take into account. There can be several specific questions the sales consultant must address to be able to help you choose the best alternative which is most suitable for your company.
Step 1: Identify Your Needs
Making the time to identify your needs will help ensure that you could 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 each day would you be utilizing this machinery? Will you be running the equipment outdoors or indoors or potentially both? How wide are your narrowest aisles to travel through? Answering these questions correctly will make certain that you are happy with the model you pick.
Step2: Second-hand Vs. New Forklifts
If you are planning to utilize your forklift more than 4 hours a day, you will probably want to purchase a brand new unit. The warranty benefits alone will 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 could run for an 8 hour shift. The electric models are best suited for indoor use because they produce no harmful emissions. Though electric units are normally more expensive than different other types of lift trucks, they have less operating expenses. Electric forklifts are much quieter to run and do not have fuel storage needs to think about. In addition, these machines have fewer moving components so they have a longer life span as they have fewer components to get worn down.
Among the disadvantages of the battery operated forklifts is that they require battery recharging stations and this can take about 8 hours. There is an added 8 hours required for cooling. Recent innovations have made their way onto the market in order to significantly lessen charging time. The fast-charge technology has become a great new thing.
Step 4: Tire Choice
Common lift trucks use cushion tires made up of solid rubber or they would be equipped with pneumatic or inflated, air-filled tires. Some lift trucks will use a solid pneumatic tires, which is a combination of the two types of tire. The pneumatic tire type is great for outside use. Cushion tires are perfect to be used indoors and solid pneumatic tires are the best choice for hazardous work settings where there is a chance for standard tires being popped by sharp objects on rough terrain.