Buying Tips
There is certainly lots of factors to take into account when buying a forklift. Deciding on the right machine can have a huge effect on everything from productivity to operating expenses, to machine downtime and worker morale.
When you are thinking of choosing a brand new or used lift truck, the following is a brief list of factors to take into account. There are some particular questions the sales consultant must address in order to help you select the best alternative which is best for your company.
Step 1: Identify Your Requirements
Making the time to identify your requirements would help ensure that you can find a capable machine. What size are your typical loads? Are they 3,000 pounds to 35,000 pounds or even heavier? How many hours every day will you be utilizing this machinery? Will you be running the machine indoors or outdoors or potentially both? How wide are your narrowest aisles to go through? Answering these questions correctly will ensure you are satisfied with the model you select.
Step2: Brand new Vs. Used Lift Trucks
You may want to buy a new model of lift truck if you are intending to utilize your lift truck for more than 4 hours a day. The warranty benefits alone will come in handy. A used alternative would probably be adequate for infrequent applications and light duty.
Step 3: Fuel Options
Normally, the huge batteries that power electric lift trucks could run for an 8 hour shift. The electric models are best suited for indoor use since they generate no harmful emissions. Even though electric units are normally more expensive compared to various other types of lift trucks, they have lower operating costs. Electric forklifts are a lot quieter to run and do not have fuel storage needs to consider. As well, these types of equipment have less moving components so they have a longer life span as they have less parts to get worn down.
The electric forklift is not without its disadvantages however. These machines require recharging posts which could take as much as 8 hours th charge. There is an additional 8 hours required 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 wonderful new thing.
Step 4: Tire Choice
Common forklifts utilize cushion tires made up of solid rubber or they would be outfitted with pneumatic or inflated, air-filled tires. Some lift trucks will utilize a solid pneumatic tires, which is a combination of the two kinds of tire. The pneumatic tire type is great for outdoor use. Cushion tires are best for interior use and solid pneumatic tires are the perfect option for hazardous work environments where there is potential for regular tires being popped by sharp objects on rough terrain.