Buying Tips
When buying a forklift, there are actually numerous factors to take into account because this decision could impact numerous things such as productivity, operating expenses, machine 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 must deal with to be able to help you choose the best option that is right for your company.
Step 1: Identify Your Requirements
Taking the time to identify your needs would help ensure that you can find a capable equipment. What size are your average loads? Are they 3,000 pounds to 35,000 pounds or even heavier? How many hours every day would you be utilizing this machine? Would you be running the machinery indoors or outdoors or possibly both? How wide are your narrowest aisles to go through? Accurately answering these questions will make sure that you are happy with the model you pick.
Step2: New Vs. Used Lift Trucks
If you are intending to utilize your forklift more than 4 hours a day, you will probably want to purchase a brand new model. The warranty benefits alone would truly be handy. A used alternative would probably be adequate for light duty and infrequent applications.
Step 3: Fuel Options
Usually, the huge batteries which power electric lift trucks can run for an 8 hour shift. The electric models are best suited for indoor use because they produce no harmful emissions. Though electric units are usually more expensive compared to various other types of lift trucks, they have lower operating expenses. Electric lift trucks are a lot quieter to run and do not have fuel storage needs to think about. What's more, these kinds of machinery have less moving components so they have a longer life span because they have fewer components to get worn down.
The electric lift truck is not without its downsides however. These equipment require recharging posts that 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 in order to considerably reduce charging time. The fast-charge technology has become a wonderful new thing.
Step 4: Tire Choice
Common forklifts use cushion tires made up of solid rubber or they will be outfitted with pneumatic or air-filled, inflated tires. Several lift trucks will use a solid pneumatic tires, that is a combination of the two kinds of tire. The pneumatic tire type is great for outside use. Cushion tires are best to be utilized inside and solid pneumatic tires are the perfect choice for hazardous work environments where there is a risk for standard tires being popped by sharp objects on rough terrain.