Buying Tips
There are many factors to take into consideration when purchasing a forklift. Choosing the best machinery could have a big impact on everything from productivity to operating costs, to equipment downtime and worker morale.
When you are thinking of choosing a brand new or second-hand lift truck, the following is a short list of things to take into account. There can be some particular questions the sales consultant must address in order to help you choose the best option which is right for your business.
Step 1: Identify Your Requirements
Identifying your needs will eventually help that you can find the best most capable lift truck for your company. How large are your standard load sizes? Are they 3,000 pounds to 35,000 pounds or even heavier? How many hours each day will you be using this equipment? Would you be running the machine outdoors or indoors or potentially both? How wide are your narrowest aisles to travel through? Answering these questions correctly will ensure you are satisfied with the model you choose.
Step2: Brand new Vs. Used Forklifts
If you are intending to use your forklift more than 4 hours a day, you would probably want to purchase a brand new unit. The warranty benefits alone will come in handy. A second-hand alternative will more than likely be adequate for light duty and infrequent applications.
Step 3: Fuel Options
The big electric forklift batteries would allow the lift truck to run for approximately 8 hours. These particular power sources make forklifts uniquely suited for indoor application because they generate no harmful emissions. Though electric units are normally more expensive than different other types of forklifts, they have less operating expenses. Electric lift trucks are a lot quieter to run and do not have fuel storage needs to consider. Also, these machines have fewer moving components so they have a longer life span since they have less parts to get worn down.
Amongst the downsides of the battery operated forklifts is that they need battery recharging stations and this can take about 8 hours. There is an additional 8 hours needed for cooling. Recent innovations have made their way onto the market so as 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 would be equipped with pneumatic or inflated, air-filled tires. Some lift trucks will use a solid pneumatic tires, that is a combination of the two kinds of tire. The pneumatic tire style is perfect for outdoor applications. Cushion tires are perfect for indoor applications and solid pneumatic tires are the perfect option for dangerous work settings where there is a possibility for standard tires being popped by rough terrain or sharp objects.