Buying Tips
There can be a lot of factors to take into consideration when purchasing a lift truck. Deciding on the best equipment could have a huge effect on everything from productivity to operating expenses, to machine downtime and worker morale.
When you are thinking of choosing a new or used forklift, the following is a brief list of factors to take into consideration. There are several particular questions the sales consultant should address in order to help you select the best alternative that is right for your company.
Step 1: Identify Your Requirements
Taking the time to identify your requirements would help ensure that you could 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 every day would you be using this machinery? Will you be running the machine outdoors or indoors or potentially both? How wide are your narrowest aisles to go through? Answering these questions accurately will ensure you are happy with the model you choose.
Step2: Brand new Vs. Used Lift Trucks
You might want to buy a new model of forklift if you are planning to utilize your lift truck for more than 4 hours per day. The warranty benefits alone would come in handy. A second-hand alternative would probably be enough for infrequent applications and light duty.
Step 3: Fuel Options
Usually, the large batteries that power electric forklifts can run for an 8 hour shift. The electric units are best suited for indoor applications as they generate no harmful emissions. Though electric models are normally more pricey than different other kinds of forklifts, they have less operating costs. Electric forklifts are much quieter to run and do not have fuel storage needs to take into consideration. As well, these types of equipment have fewer moving components so they have a longer life span since they have fewer components to get worn down.
The electric lift truck is not without its downsides though. These equipment need recharging posts which could take as long as 8 hours th charge. There is an added 8 hours required for cooling. Recent innovations have made their way onto the market so as to significantly lessen charging time. The fast-charge technology has become a great new thing.
Step 4: Tire Choice
Common forklifts use cushion tires made up of solid rubber or they would be outfitted with pneumatic or air-filled, inflated tires. Some lift trucks will utilize a solid pneumatic tires, which is a combination of the two types of tire. The pneumatic tire type is perfect to be utilized outdoors. Cushion tires are great to be used indoors and solid pneumatic tires are the best alternative for dangerous work environments where there is potential for standard tires being popped by sharp objects on rough terrain.