Buying Tips
When buying a forklift, there are lots of things to take into account since this decision could impact numerous things such as production, operating costs, machine downtime, and even worker morale.
Below is a brief list of factors to think about when deciding on a brand new or used lift truck. There is certainly some particular questions the sales consultant needs to address to be able to help you choose the best option which is most suitable for your company.
Step 1: Identify Your Requirements
Making the time to identify your requirements will help ensure that you could find a capable machinery. What size are your average loads? Are they 3,000 pounds to 35,000 pounds or even heavier? How many hours each day would you be using this equipment? Will you be running the machinery indoors or outdoors or possibly both? How wide are your narrowest aisles to go through? Accurately answering these questions would ensure you are satisfied with the model you pick.
Step2: New Vs. Second-hand Lift Trucks
If you are planning to use your lift truck more than 4 hours per day, you will probably want to purchase a new model. The warranty benefits alone will come in handy. A second-hand choice will more than likely be adequate for light duty and infrequent applications.
Step 3: Fuel Options
Normally, the huge batteries which power electric lift trucks could run for an 8 hour shift. The electric models are best suited for indoor use as they produce no harmful emissions. Even though electric units are usually more expensive than different other kinds of forklifts, they have lower operating costs. Electric forklifts are much quieter to run and do not have fuel storage requirements to take into consideration. Also, these equipment have fewer moving parts 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 stations and this could take approximately 8 hours. There is an additional 8 hours required 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 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. Several forklifts will use a solid pneumatic tires, that is a combination of the two types of tire. The pneumatic tire kind is perfect for outside applications. Cushion tires are great for interior use and solid pneumatic tires are the best choice for hazardous work settings where there is potential for standard tires being popped by rough terrain or sharp objects.