Buying Tips
There are actually a lot of factors to take into consideration when purchasing a forklift. Choosing the best equipment could have a big impact on everything from productivity to operating expenses, to equipment downtime and worker morale.
When you are thinking of choosing a new or second-hand forklift, the following is a brief list of factors to take into consideration. There are actually several specific questions the sales consultant must address in order to help you pick the best alternative which is most suitable for your company.
Step 1: Identify Your Needs
Taking the time to identify your requirements will help ensure that you can find a capable equipment. 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 utilizing this machine? Will you be running the machine indoors or outdoors or possibly both? How wide are your narrowest aisles to travel through? Accurately answering these questions will ensure you are happy with the unit you select.
Step2: Second-hand Vs. New Lift Trucks
If you are intending to use your forklift more than 4 hours a day, you will probably want to purchase a new model. The warranty benefits alone would come in handy. A second-hand alternative would more than likely be adequate for light duty and infrequent applications.
Step 3: Fuel Options
Usually, the big batteries that power electric lift trucks could run for an 8 hour shift. The electric models are best suited for indoor use as they produce no harmful emissions. Even if electric models are generally more expensive than other models, they have less operating costs. Electric lift trucks are a lot quieter to run and do not have fuel storage needs to consider. Also, these machinery have fewer moving components so they have a longer life span as they have less components to get worn down.
The electric forklift is not without its downsides though. These machines require recharging stations which may take as much as 8 hours th charge. There is an additional 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
Lift Trucks are outfitted with either pneumatic or inflated, air-filled tires or cushion tires which are made up of solid rubber. There are actually also solid pneumatic tires which are a combination of the two. The pneumatic tire type is best suited for outside applications. Cushion tires are perfect to be used indoors 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.