Buying Tips
There can be lots of things to take into consideration when purchasing a forklift. Deciding on the right machine could have a huge impact on everything from production to operating costs, to machine downtime and worker morale.
When you are thinking of choosing a new or used lift truck, the following is a short list of things to take into account. There is certainly some specific questions the sales consultant needs to address in order to help you select the best alternative that is most suitable for your business.
Step 1: Identify Your Needs
Identifying your requirements will ultimately help that you can find the best most capable forklift for your business. How big are your standard load sizes? Are they 3,000 pounds to 35,000 pounds or even heavier? How many hours each day will you be using this machinery? Would you be running the equipment outdoors or indoors or possibly both? How wide are your narrowest aisles to go through? Accurately answering these questions will ensure you are satisfied with the unit you choose.
Step2: Used Vs. New Forklifts
You may want to buy a new model of forklift if you are planning to use your forklift for more than 4 hours per day. The warranty benefits alone would truly be handy. A second-hand choice will more than likely be enough for infrequent applications and light duty.
Step 3: Fuel Options
Typically, the large batteries that power electric forklifts could run for an 8 hour shift. The electric units are best suited for indoor applications as they produce no harmful emissions. Though electric units are usually more expensive compared to various other types of lift trucks, they have lower operating costs. Electric lift trucks are much quieter to run and do not have fuel storage needs to think about. In addition, these kinds of machines have less moving components so they have a longer life span since they have fewer components to get worn down.
The electric forklift is not without its disadvantages however. These equipment require recharging stations that may take as much as 8 hours th charge. There is an additional 8 hours needed for cooling. Recent changes have made their way onto the market in order to considerably lessen charging time. The fast-charge technology has become a wonderful new thing.
Step 4: Tire Choice
Common forklifts utilize cushion tires made up of solid rubber or they would be outfitted with pneumatic or air-filled, inflated tires. Several forklifts will utilize a solid pneumatic tires, that is a combination of the two types of tire. The pneumatic tire style is great to be utilized outside. Cushion tires are great to be utilized indoors and solid pneumatic tires are the perfect choice for hazardous work environments where there is potential for standard tires being popped by rough terrain or sharp objects.