Buying Tips
There is certainly lots of factors to take into account when buying a lift truck. Choosing the right machinery could have a huge effect on everything from productivity to operating expenses, to equipment downtime and employee morale.
Below is a short list of factors to consider when deciding on a brand new or second-hand forklift. There are several particular questions the sales consultant must deal with in order to help you pick the best option that is best for your company.
Step 1: Identify Your Needs
Identifying your needs will eventually help that you could find the best most capable lift truck for your business. How large are your normal load sizes? Are they 3,000 pounds to 35,000 pounds or even heavier? How many hours every day would you be utilizing this machinery? Would you be running the equipment outdoors or indoors or possibly both? How wide are your narrowest aisles to go through? Answering these questions correctly will ensure you are satisfied with the unit you choose.
Step2: Second-hand Vs. New Lift Trucks
You might want to purchase a new model of forklift if you are intending to use your lift truck for more than 4 hours a day. The warranty benefits alone would come in handy. A second-hand alternative will probably 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 units are best suited for indoor applications because they generate no harmful emissions. Although electric units are usually more pricey compared to other units, they have less operating costs. Electric lift trucks are a lot quieter to run and do not have fuel storage needs to take into account. Additionally, these kinds of machinery have less moving components so they have a longer life span since they have fewer components to get worn down.
Amongst the disadvantages of the battery operated lift trucks is that they need battery recharging stations and this can take approximately 8 hours. There is an added 8 hours required for cooling. Recent changes 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 will be equipped with pneumatic or air-filled, inflated tires. Some forklifts will utilize a solid pneumatic tires, which is a combination of the two kinds of tire. The pneumatic tire kind is best suited to be utilized outside. Cushion tires are perfect for interior use and solid pneumatic tires are the perfect choice for dangerous work environments where there is a possibility for regular tires being popped by sharp objects on rough terrain.