Buying Tips
There are many things to take into consideration when purchasing a forklift. Choosing the best machinery could have a huge effect on everything from production to operating expenses, to equipment downtime and 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 is certainly some particular questions the sales consultant should deal with to be able to help you select the best option which is right for your business.
Step 1: Identify Your Requirements
Making the time to identify your requirements would help ensure that you could find a capable machinery. What size are your typical loads? Are they 3,000 pounds to 35,000 pounds or even heavier? How many hours each day will you be using this machine? Would you be running the equipment indoors or outdoors or possibly both? How wide are your narrowest aisles to travel through? Accurately answering these questions will ensure you are satisfied with the unit you choose.
Step2: Brand new Vs. Used Lift Trucks
You might want to buy a brand new model of forklift if you are planning to use your forklift for more than 4 hours per day. The warranty benefits alone would come in handy. A second-hand alternative would more than likely be adequate for light duty and infrequent applications.
Step 3: Fuel Options
Normally, the big batteries which power electric forklifts could run for an 8 hour shift. The electric units are best suited for indoor use since they produce no harmful emissions. Even if electric models are generally more pricey compared to various other kinds of forklifts, they have lower operating costs. Electric lift trucks are much quieter to run and do not have fuel storage requirements to think about. As well, these types of machinery have less moving components so they have a longer life span as they have fewer components to get worn down.
The electric lift truck is not without its disadvantages though. These equipment need recharging stations that can take as much as 8 hours th charge. There is an added 8 hours needed for cooling. Recent innovations have made their way onto the market so as to significantly reduce charging time. The fast-charge technology has become a great new thing.
Step 4: Tire Choice
Forklifts are equipped with either pneumatic or air-filled, inflated tires or cushion tires that are made up of solid rubber. There are actually also solid pneumatic tires that are a combination of the two. The pneumatic tire type is best suited to be used outside. Cushion tires are best to be utilized inside and solid pneumatic tires are the best choice for hazardous work environments where there is a chance for regular tires being popped by rough terrain or sharp objects.