Buying Tips
There can be lots of things to take into account when purchasing a forklift. Deciding on the best machinery could have a huge effect on everything from productivity to operating costs, to machine downtime and worker morale.
Below is a brief list of things to consider when deciding on a brand new or used forklift. There are some specific questions the sales consultant should address in order to help you pick the best option that is right for your company.
Step 1: Identify Your Needs
Identifying your requirements would ultimately help that you could find the best most capable forklift for your company. How large are your normal load sizes? Are they 3,000 pounds to 35,000 pounds or even heavier? How many hours every day will you be utilizing this equipment? Would you be running the machinery outdoors or indoors or possibly both? How wide are your narrowest aisles to travel through? Correctly answering these questions will make certain that you are happy with the unit you choose.
Step2: Brand new Vs. Used Forklifts
If you are planning to utilize your forklift more than 4 hours a day, you would probably want to buy a new model. The warranty benefits alone will truly be handy. A second-hand alternative would more than likely be enough for light duty and infrequent applications.
Step 3: Fuel Options
The huge electric forklift batteries would allow the lift truck to run for approximately 8 hours. These specific power sources make lift trucks uniquely suited for indoor application since they generate no harmful emissions. Even though electric units are usually more expensive compared to different other kinds of forklifts, they have lower operating costs. Electric lift trucks are a lot quieter to run and do not have fuel storage needs to consider. Furthermore, these kinds of machines have fewer moving components so they have a longer life span since they have less components to get worn down.
The electric lift truck is not without its downsides however. These machines require recharging stations which could take as long as 8 hours th charge. There is an added 8 hours required for cooling. Recent changes have made their way onto the market so as to significantly 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 air-filled, inflated 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 best suited to be utilized outside. Cushion tires are best to be utilized inside and solid pneumatic tires are the perfect choice for dangerous work environments where there is potential for regular tires being popped by sharp objects on rough terrain.