Buying Tips
There can be many factors to take into consideration when purchasing a lift truck. Choosing the best machine could have a huge impact on everything from productivity to operating costs, to equipment downtime and employee morale.
Here is a brief list of factors to consider when deciding on a brand new or second-hand lift truck. There are some particular questions the sales consultant needs to address in order to help you choose the best alternative that is right for your company.
Step 1: Identify Your Requirements
Identifying your requirements will ultimately help that you can find the best most capable forklift for your business. How big are your normal load sizes? Are they 3,000 pounds to 35,000 pounds or even heavier? How many hours every day will you be using this equipment? Will you be running the machine outdoors or indoors or potentially both? How wide are your narrowest aisles to travel through? Answering these questions accurately will make sure that you are satisfied with the unit you choose.
Step2: Second-hand Vs. Brand new Lift Trucks
You may want to purchase a new model of forklift if you are intending to utilize your forklift for more than 4 hours a day. The warranty benefits alone will come in handy. A second-hand choice will more than likely 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 specific power sources make lift trucks uniquely suited for indoor use since they produce no harmful emissions. Though electric models are generally more pricey than other units, they have less operating costs. Electric forklifts are a lot quieter to run and do not have fuel storage requirements to think about. Additionally, these machinery have fewer moving parts so they have a longer life span since they have fewer components to get worn down.
Amongst the downsides of the battery operated lift trucks is that they need battery recharging stations and this could take approximately 8 hours. There is an additional 8 hours needed for cooling. Recent changes have made their way onto the market so as 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 would be equipped with pneumatic or air-filled, inflated tires. Some forklifts will use a solid pneumatic tires, that is a combination of the two types of tire. The pneumatic tire style is perfect for outdoor use. Cushion tires are best for interior use and solid pneumatic tires are the best option for dangerous work settings where there is potential for standard tires being popped by rough terrain or sharp objects.