Buying Tips
When buying a forklift, there are numerous factors to take into consideration since this decision can impact numerous things such as production, operating costs, equipment downtime, and even worker morale.
When you are thinking of choosing a brand new or used forklift, the following is a short list of things to take into account. There is certainly some particular questions the sales consultant needs to address in order to help you select the best option that is most suitable for your business.
Step 1: Identify Your Requirements
Taking the time to identify your requirements will help ensure that you can find a capable machinery. What size are your standard loads? Are they 3,000 pounds to 35,000 pounds or even heavier? How many hours each day will you be utilizing this machine? Will you be running the machine indoors or outdoors 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 pick.
Step2: Used Vs. Brand new Forklifts
You might want to purchase a new model of forklift if you are planning to use your lift truck for more than 4 hours per day. The warranty benefits alone will really be handy. A second-hand choice would probably be enough for infrequent applications and light duty.
Step 3: Fuel Options
The large electric lift truck batteries would allow the forklift to run for about 8 hours. These particular power sources make lift trucks uniquely suited for indoor application since they generate no harmful emissions. Even if electric units are generally more expensive than various other kinds of lift trucks, they have lower operating expenses. Electric lift trucks are much quieter to run and do not have fuel storage requirements to take into consideration. What's more, these machinery have less moving parts so they have a longer life span as they have fewer parts to get worn down.
The electric lift truck is not without its disadvantages however. These machines need recharging posts that may take as much as 8 hours th charge. There is an added 8 hours needed for cooling. Recent innovations have made their way onto the market in order 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 would be equipped with pneumatic or inflated, air-filled tires. Some forklifts would utilize a solid pneumatic tires, which is a combination of the two types of tire. The pneumatic tire type is perfect for outside use. Cushion tires are great for interior applications and solid pneumatic tires are the best choice for hazardous work settings where there is potential for regular tires being popped by sharp objects on rough terrain.