Buying Tips
When buying a forklift, there are many things to take into account as this decision may impact numerous things like productivity, operating costs, equipment downtime, and even worker morale.
When you are thinking of choosing a new or second-hand forklift, the following is a brief list of things to take into consideration. There are some particular questions the sales consultant should address to be able to help you choose the best option that is right for your business.
Step 1: Identify Your Requirements
Taking the time to identify your needs will help ensure that you can find a capable equipment. What size are your standard loads? Are they 3,000 pounds to 35,000 pounds or even heavier? How many hours each day will you be using this equipment? Will you be running the equipment outdoors or indoors or potentially both? How wide are your narrowest aisles to travel through? Correctly answering these questions will make certain that you are satisfied with the model you pick.
Step2: Used Vs. New Forklifts
If you are intending to utilize your lift truck more than 4 hours a day, you would probably want to buy a new model. The warranty benefits alone would come in handy. A second-hand option would probably be adequate for infrequent applications and light duty.
Step 3: Fuel Options
The large electric lift truck batteries will allow the lift truck to run for about 8 hours. These particular power sources make lift trucks uniquely suited for indoor use since they produce no harmful emissions. Even if electric units are generally more expensive than various other kinds of forklifts, they have lower operating costs. Electric forklifts are a lot quieter to run and do not have fuel storage needs to take into account. In addition, these machines have fewer moving components so they have a longer life span because they have less parts to get worn down.
One of the disadvantages of the battery operated forklifts is that they require battery recharging stations and this can take approximately 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 utilize cushion tires made up of solid rubber or they will be outfitted with pneumatic or inflated, air-filled tires. Several forklifts will utilize a solid pneumatic tires, which is a combination of the two kinds of tire. The pneumatic tire type is perfect for outside applications. Cushion tires are perfect to be utilized inside and solid pneumatic tires are the best choice for hazardous work environments where there is potential for regular tires being popped by sharp objects on rough terrain.