Buying Tips
When purchasing a lift truck, there can be a lot of things to take into account because this decision could impact many things like production, operating expenses, equipment downtime, and even worker morale.
Here is a short list of factors to consider when deciding on a new or used forklift. There are actually some particular questions the sales consultant has to deal with in order to help you choose the best option which is most suitable for your business.
Step 1: Identify Your Requirements
Taking the time to identify your needs will help ensure that you could 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 each day would you be utilizing this equipment? Would you be running the machinery outdoors or indoors or possibly both? How wide are your narrowest aisles to travel through? Answering these questions correctly would make sure that you are happy with the unit you choose.
Step2: Brand new Vs. Second-hand Forklifts
You might want to purchase a new unit of lift truck if you are planning to utilize your lift truck for more than 4 hours a day. The warranty benefits alone would come in handy. A second-hand choice will more than likely be enough for infrequent applications and light duty.
Step 3: Fuel Options
The huge electric lift truck batteries would allow the forklift to run for approximately 8 hours. These specific power sources make forklifts uniquely suited for indoor use because they generate no harmful emissions. Although 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. In addition, these equipment have fewer moving components so they have a longer life span since they have less parts to get worn down.
The electric lift truck is not without its disadvantages though. These machines require recharging stations which could take as long as 8 hours th charge. There is an added 8 hours required for cooling. Recent changes have made their way onto the market so as 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 air-filled, inflated 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 kind is best suited to be utilized outdoors. Cushion tires are great for interior applications and solid pneumatic tires are the perfect option for dangerous work environments where there is a possibility for regular tires being popped by sharp objects on rough terrain.