Buying Tips
There is certainly lots of factors to take into account when purchasing a forklift. Choosing the right machine could have a huge impact on everything from productivity to operating costs, to equipment downtime and employee morale.
When you are thinking of choosing a brand new or second-hand lift truck, the following is a short list of things to take into account. There are actually some specific questions the sales consultant should deal with to be able to help you pick the best alternative which is right for your company.
Step 1: Identify Your Requirements
Taking the time to identify your needs will help ensure that you could 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 each day will you be utilizing this equipment? Would you be running the machine indoors or outdoors or possibly both? How wide are your narrowest aisles to go through? Accurately answering these questions would make certain that you are happy with the model you pick.
Step2: Brand new Vs. Second-hand Forklifts
If you are intending to use your lift truck more than 4 hours a day, you would probably want to purchase a brand new unit. The warranty benefits alone will come in handy. A used option would more than likely be enough for light duty and infrequent applications.
Step 3: Fuel Options
The huge electric forklift batteries will allow the lift truck to run for around 8 hours. These specific power sources make lift trucks uniquely suited for indoor application since they generate no harmful emissions. Although electric models are normally more pricey than different other types of forklifts, they have lower operating expenses. Electric forklifts are a lot quieter to run and do not have fuel storage needs to take into account. In addition, these kinds of machinery have fewer moving components so they have a longer life span since they have fewer parts to get worn down.
The electric forklift is not without its disadvantages though. These machines require recharging posts which can take as much as 8 hours th charge. There is an added 8 hours required for cooling. Recent changes have made their way onto the market in order to significantly lessen charging time. The fast-charge technology has become a wonderful new thing.
Step 4: Tire Choice
Forklifts are outfitted with either pneumatic or inflated, air-filled tires or cushion tires which are made up of solid rubber. There can be also solid pneumatic tires which are a combination of the two. The pneumatic tire style is best suited to be used outside. Cushion tires are great to be utilized inside and solid pneumatic tires are the perfect alternative for hazardous work settings where there is potential for standard tires being popped by rough terrain or sharp objects.