Buying Tips
When buying a lift truck, there are actually lots of things to take into consideration as this decision could impact lots of things like productivity, operating expenses, machine downtime, and even employee morale.
When you are thinking of choosing a brand new or used forklift, the following is a short list of factors to take into consideration. There are some particular questions the sales consultant should address to be able to help you pick the best alternative that is best for your company.
Step 1: Identify Your Requirements
Making the time to identify your requirements would help ensure that you can find a capable equipment. What size are your average loads? Are they 3,000 pounds to 35,000 pounds or even heavier? How many hours every day will you be utilizing this machinery? Will you be running the machinery indoors or outdoors or potentially both? How wide are your narrowest aisles to go through? Answering these questions correctly would ensure you are happy with the unit you choose.
Step2: Second-hand Vs. New Lift Trucks
You might want to purchase a brand new unit of lift truck if you are planning to use your forklift for more than 4 hours per day. The warranty benefits alone would really be handy. A used alternative would probably be adequate for infrequent applications and light duty.
Step 3: Fuel Options
Usually, the big batteries that power electric forklifts can run for an 8 hour shift. The electric units are best suited for indoor use since they produce no harmful emissions. Though electric models are normally more expensive compared to other models, they have lower operating expenses. Electric forklifts are a lot quieter to run and do not have fuel storage requirements to take into consideration. Additionally, these kinds of equipment have less moving parts so they have a longer life span because they have fewer components to get worn down.
The electric forklift is not without its disadvantages however. These machinery need recharging stations which may take as long as 8 hours th charge. There is an additional 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
Common forklifts use cushion tires made up of solid rubber or they will be equipped with pneumatic or air-filled, inflated tires. Some lift trucks would use a solid pneumatic tires, that is a combination of the two kinds of tire. The pneumatic tire type is perfect to be utilized outside. Cushion tires are best to be utilized inside and solid pneumatic tires are the best option for hazardous work environments where there is potential for standard tires being popped by rough terrain or sharp objects.