Buying Tips
There can be numerous things to take into account when buying a forklift. Choosing the best machinery could have a huge impact on everything from production to operating expenses, to machine downtime and employee morale.
When you are thinking of choosing a brand new or second-hand lift truck, the following is a brief list of factors to take into consideration. There are several specific questions the sales consultant must deal with in order to help you choose the best option that is best for your business.
Step 1: Identify Your Requirements
Making the time to identify your requirements will help ensure that you could find a capable equipment. What size are your typical loads? Are they 3,000 pounds to 35,000 pounds or even heavier? How many hours each day would you be utilizing this machine? Will you be running the machinery outdoors or indoors or possibly both? How wide are your narrowest aisles to travel through? Accurately answering these questions would ensure you are satisfied with the unit you select.
Step2: New Vs. Used Lift Trucks
You may want to purchase a brand new unit of forklift if you are planning to use your lift truck for more than 4 hours a day. The warranty benefits alone would come in handy. A second-hand choice will more than likely be enough for infrequent applications and light duty.
Step 3: Fuel Options
Normally, the huge batteries which power electric forklifts could run for an 8 hour shift. The electric units are best suited for indoor use as they generate no harmful emissions. Although electric units are generally more pricey compared to various other kinds of forklifts, they have less operating costs. Electric lift trucks are a lot quieter to run and do not have fuel storage requirements to think about. What's more, these types of machinery have fewer moving components so they have a longer life span since they have less parts to get worn down.
Amongst the disadvantages of the battery operated lift trucks is that they require battery recharging posts and this could take about 8 hours. There is an additional 8 hours needed for cooling. Recent changes have made their way onto the market in order to considerably reduce 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 would be outfitted with pneumatic or air-filled, inflated tires. Several forklifts will use a solid pneumatic tires, which is a combination of the two types of tire. The pneumatic tire type is great to be used outside. Cushion tires are perfect to be used inside and solid pneumatic tires are the best option for dangerous work environments where there is a possibility for standard tires being popped by rough terrain or sharp objects.