Buying Tips
There are a lot of factors to take into consideration when buying a lift truck. Choosing the best equipment could have a big effect on everything from productivity to operating expenses, to equipment downtime and employee morale.
When you are thinking of choosing a new or second-hand forklift, the following is a brief list of things to take into account. There are some particular questions the sales consultant should address to be able to help you choose the best alternative that is best for your business.
Step 1: Identify Your Needs
Identifying your requirements will eventually help that you could find the best most capable forklift for your company. How large 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 machine? Will you be running the equipment outdoors or indoors or potentially both? How wide are your narrowest aisles to travel through? Accurately answering these questions will make certain that you are satisfied with the model you select.
Step2: Brand new Vs. Second-hand Lift Trucks
If you are planning to utilize your forklift more than 4 hours per day, you will probably want to purchase a brand new unit. The warranty benefits alone will truly be handy. A used alternative would more than likely be enough for infrequent applications and light duty.
Step 3: Fuel Options
Normally, the large batteries which 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. Although electric units are usually more expensive than various other kinds of lift trucks, they have less operating expenses. Electric forklifts are a lot quieter to run and do not have fuel storage needs to think about. As well, these types of equipment have less moving parts so they have a longer life span because they have fewer parts to get worn down.
Among the downsides of the battery operated lift trucks is that they require battery recharging stations and this could take around 8 hours. There is an added 8 hours required for cooling. Recent innovations have made their way onto the market so as to considerably reduce charging time. The fast-charge technology has become a wonderful new thing.
Step 4: Tire Choice
Lift Trucks are equipped with either pneumatic or air-filled, inflated tires or cushion tires which are made up of solid rubber. There are also solid pneumatic tires that are a combination of the two. The pneumatic tire style is great for outside applications. Cushion tires are perfect to be used indoors and solid pneumatic tires are the perfect option for hazardous work settings where there is a risk for regular tires being popped by rough terrain or sharp objects.