Buying Tips
When purchasing a lift truck, there can be many things to take into account as this decision may impact lots of things like production, operating expenses, equipment downtime, and even employee morale.
Below is a brief list of things to consider when deciding on a new or used forklift. There are actually several particular questions the sales consultant needs to address in order to help you pick the best option that is best for your company.
Step 1: Identify Your Requirements
Identifying your requirements will ultimately help that you can find the best most capable forklift for your company. How big are your standard load sizes? Are they 3,000 pounds to 35,000 pounds or even heavier? How many hours each day would you be utilizing this machine? Would you be running the machine indoors or outdoors or possibly both? How wide are your narrowest aisles to go through? Accurately answering these questions will ensure you are satisfied with the unit you pick.
Step2: Used Vs. Brand new Forklifts
If you are planning to use your lift truck more than 4 hours per day, you would probably want to purchase a new unit. The warranty benefits alone would come in handy. A used choice would probably be enough for infrequent applications and light duty.
Step 3: Fuel Options
Typically, the large batteries that power electric forklifts can run for an 8 hour shift. The electric models are best suited for indoor use as they generate no harmful emissions. Though electric units are usually more expensive than other models, they have lower operating expenses. Electric lift trucks are much quieter to run and do not have fuel storage needs to consider. As well, these types of equipment have fewer moving components so they have a longer life span since they have fewer components to get worn down.
Among the disadvantages of the battery operated lift trucks is that they need battery recharging posts and this can take around 8 hours. There is an added 8 hours needed for cooling. Recent changes have made their way onto the market in order to considerably lessen charging time. The fast-charge technology has become a wonderful new thing.
Step 4: Tire Choice
Common forklifts use cushion tires made up of solid rubber or they would be equipped with pneumatic or air-filled, inflated tires. Several lift trucks would use a solid pneumatic tires, that is a combination of the two kinds of tire. The pneumatic tire style is best suited for outdoor use. Cushion tires are perfect to be utilized inside and solid pneumatic tires are the perfect alternative for hazardous work environments where there is potential for standard tires being popped by rough terrain or sharp objects.