Buying Tips
When buying a lift truck, there are actually numerous factors to take into consideration because this decision can impact many things such as production, operating costs, machine downtime, and even worker morale.
Here is a brief list of factors to consider when deciding on a brand new or second-hand lift truck. There are actually some specific questions the sales consultant has to deal with in order to help you select the best option that is best for your business.
Step 1: Identify Your Requirements
Making the time to identify your needs will help ensure that you can find a capable machinery. What size are your average loads? Are they 3,000 pounds to 35,000 pounds or even heavier? How many hours every day would you be using this equipment? Will you be running the machinery indoors or outdoors or potentially both? How wide are your narrowest aisles to travel through? Answering these questions accurately will make certain that you are happy with the unit you pick.
Step2: Used Vs. Brand new Lift Trucks
If you are intending to utilize your forklift more than 4 hours per day, you would probably want to purchase a brand new unit. The warranty benefits alone would really be handy. A used alternative would more than likely be adequate for infrequent applications and light duty.
Step 3: Fuel Options
Typically, the huge batteries that power electric lift trucks can run for an 8 hour shift. The electric units are best suited for indoor use since they generate no harmful emissions. Although electric units are generally more expensive compared to various other types of forklifts, they have less operating costs. Electric lift trucks are much quieter to run and do not have fuel storage requirements to take into consideration. Additionally, these types of equipment have less moving parts so they have a longer life span as they have fewer parts to get worn down.
Amongst the downsides of the battery operated lift trucks is that they require battery recharging stations and this can take around 8 hours. There is an additional 8 hours required for cooling. Recent changes have made their way onto the market in order to significantly reduce charging time. The fast-charge technology has become a great new thing.
Step 4: Tire Choice
Forklifts are equipped with either pneumatic or inflated, air-filled tires or cushion tires that are made up of solid rubber. There is certainly also solid pneumatic tires that are a combination of the two. The pneumatic tire style is great to be utilized outdoors. Cushion tires are best to be used inside and solid pneumatic tires are the perfect choice for hazardous work settings where there is a possibility for regular tires being popped by rough terrain or sharp objects.