Buying Tips
When buying a forklift, there can be many factors to take into account because this decision could impact numerous things like production, operating costs, machine downtime, and even worker morale.
When you are thinking of choosing a new or second-hand lift truck, the following is a short list of things to take into consideration. There can be some specific questions the sales consultant has to address in order to help you choose the best option which is most suitable for your company.
Step 1: Identify Your Requirements
Taking the time to identify your requirements would help ensure that you can find a capable machine. What size are your standard loads? Are they 3,000 pounds to 35,000 pounds or even heavier? How many hours each day will you be utilizing this machine? 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 sure that you are satisfied with the model you select.
Step2: New Vs. Used Lift Trucks
You might want to buy a brand new unit of lift truck if you are planning to use your forklift for more than 4 hours a day. The warranty benefits alone would come in handy. A second-hand option would more than likely be adequate for infrequent applications and light duty.
Step 3: Fuel Options
Typically, the large batteries which power electric forklifts can run for an 8 hour shift. The electric models are best suited for indoor use since they produce no harmful emissions. Although electric models are normally more expensive compared to other units, they have less operating costs. Electric forklifts are a lot quieter to run and do not have fuel storage requirements to take into account. Additionally, these machinery have less moving components so they have a longer life span because they have less parts to get worn down.
The electric lift truck is not without its disadvantages though. These machines need recharging posts which may take as long 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 considerably reduce charging time. The fast-charge technology has become a great new thing.
Step 4: Tire Choice
Common lift trucks use cushion tires made up of solid rubber or they would be equipped with pneumatic or inflated, air-filled tires. Some lift trucks would utilize a solid pneumatic tires, which is a combination of the two types of tire. The pneumatic tire style is best suited to be utilized outdoors. Cushion tires are best to be utilized inside and solid pneumatic tires are the best option for dangerous work environments where there is potential for regular tires being popped by sharp objects on rough terrain.