Buying Tips
When purchasing a forklift, there can be numerous factors to take into account because this decision could impact a lot of things such as production, operating expenses, machine downtime, and even employee morale.
Here is a short list of factors to think about when deciding on a brand new or second-hand lift truck. There can be some particular questions the sales consultant must address in order to help you pick the best option that is most suitable for your business.
Step 1: Identify Your Needs
Making the time to identify your requirements would 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 every day would you be using this machinery? Will you be running the equipment indoors or outdoors or possibly both? How wide are your narrowest aisles to travel through? Answering these questions correctly would make certain that you are satisfied with the model you select.
Step2: Used Vs. New Lift Trucks
You may want to purchase a brand new model of forklift if you are intending to utilize your lift truck for more than 4 hours a day. The warranty benefits alone will truly be handy. A second-hand option will more than likely be adequate for infrequent applications and light duty.
Step 3: Fuel Options
Usually, the big batteries which power electric forklifts can run for an 8 hour shift. The electric units are best suited for indoor applications since they produce no harmful emissions. Though electric models are normally more expensive compared to other units, they have lower operating costs. Electric forklifts are a lot quieter to run and do not have fuel storage needs to take into consideration. Additionally, these kinds of machines have less moving components so they have a longer life span since they have fewer components to get worn down.
The electric forklift is not without its disadvantages however. These machinery require recharging posts that may 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 wonderful new thing.
Step 4: Tire Choice
Common lift trucks use cushion tires made up of solid rubber or they would be outfitted with pneumatic or air-filled, inflated tires. Some forklifts will use a solid pneumatic tires, that is a combination of the two types of tire. The pneumatic tire type is best suited for outdoor applications. Cushion tires are best to be used indoors and solid pneumatic tires are the best choice for dangerous work settings where there is a possibility for regular tires being popped by sharp objects on rough terrain.