Buying Tips
There are numerous factors to take into account when purchasing a lift truck. Deciding on the right machine could have a big effect on everything from production to operating costs, to machine downtime and worker morale.
Here is a short list of factors to consider when deciding on a brand new or second-hand forklift. There are several specific questions the sales consultant should deal with in order to help you choose the best alternative which is best for your business.
Step 1: Identify Your Requirements
Making the time to identify your needs would help ensure that you could find a capable machine. What size are your typical loads? Are they 3,000 pounds to 35,000 pounds or even heavier? How many hours every day would you be utilizing this machine? Will you be running the machine outdoors or indoors or potentially both? How wide are your narrowest aisles to travel through? Answering these questions correctly would ensure you are satisfied with the model you pick.
Step2: Used Vs. New Forklifts
If you are planning to utilize your forklift more than 4 hours per day, you would probably want to purchase a new model. The warranty benefits alone will come in handy. A second-hand option will probably be adequate for light duty and infrequent applications.
Step 3: Fuel Options
The huge electric lift truck batteries will allow the forklift to run for roughly 8 hours. These particular power sources make lift trucks uniquely suited for indoor application since they generate no harmful emissions. Even though electric units are usually more expensive compared to different other types of lift trucks, they have less operating expenses. Electric forklifts are much quieter to run and do not have fuel storage requirements to take into consideration. Moreover, these machinery have less moving parts so they have a longer life span because they have less parts to get worn down.
One of the disadvantages of the battery operated forklifts is that they need battery recharging posts and this could take around 8 hours. There is an additional 8 hours required 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
Lift Trucks are equipped with either pneumatic or air-filled, inflated tires or cushion tires which are made up of solid rubber. There is certainly 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 perfect to be utilized indoors and solid pneumatic tires are the perfect choice for dangerous work settings where there is a chance for standard tires being popped by sharp objects on rough terrain.