Buying Tips
When buying a forklift, there are actually lots of factors to take into account because this decision may impact lots of things such as production, operating expenses, equipment downtime, and even 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 account. There are several specific questions the sales consultant has to deal with in order to help you choose the best alternative that is most suitable for your company.
Step 1: Identify Your Needs
Identifying your needs would eventually help that you could find the best most capable lift truck for your business. How large are your typical load sizes? Are they 3,000 pounds to 35,000 pounds or even heavier? How many hours every day will you be using this machine? Would you be running the equipment outdoors or indoors or possibly both? How wide are your narrowest aisles to travel through? Answering these questions accurately would make certain that you are happy with the unit you pick.
Step2: Second-hand Vs. Brand new Lift Trucks
If you are planning to use your forklift more than 4 hours a day, you will probably want to buy a brand new unit. The warranty benefits alone would come in handy. A second-hand alternative will more than likely be adequate for infrequent applications and light duty.
Step 3: Fuel Options
Usually, the large batteries which power electric forklifts can run for an 8 hour shift. The electric models are best suited for indoor use as they produce no harmful emissions. Although electric units are generally more pricey compared to different other types of forklifts, they have lower operating costs. Electric lift trucks are much quieter to run and do not have fuel storage needs to take into consideration. Additionally, these types of equipment have fewer moving components so they have a longer life span since they have less components to get worn down.
The electric lift truck is not without its downsides however. These machines need recharging posts which may take as much as 8 hours th charge. There is an added 8 hours needed for cooling. Recent changes 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 outfitted with either pneumatic or air-filled, inflated tires or cushion tires that are made up of solid rubber. There can be also solid pneumatic tires which are a combination of the two. The pneumatic tire type is perfect for outside applications. Cushion tires are great for indoor use and solid pneumatic tires are the perfect choice for dangerous work environments where there is a chance for standard tires being popped by rough terrain or sharp objects.