Buying Tips
There is certainly a lot of things to take into account when buying a lift truck. Choosing the right machine can have a huge impact on everything from productivity to operating costs, to machine downtime and employee morale.
Here is a brief list of factors to consider when deciding on a new or second-hand forklift. There are actually several particular questions the sales consultant must address in order to help you pick the best alternative that is most suitable for your business.
Step 1: Identify Your Needs
Identifying your requirements would ultimately help that you could find the best most capable lift truck 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 every day would you be utilizing this equipment? Will you be running the machine outdoors or indoors or possibly both? How wide are your narrowest aisles to travel through? Accurately answering these questions will ensure you are happy with the model you choose.
Step2: Used Vs. New Lift Trucks
You might want to purchase a new unit of lift truck if you are intending to use your forklift for more than 4 hours a day. The warranty benefits alone will truly be handy. A second-hand choice would more than likely be adequate for light duty and infrequent applications.
Step 3: Fuel Options
Typically, the big batteries which power electric lift trucks could run for an 8 hour shift. The electric units are best suited for indoor use because they generate no harmful emissions. Although electric units are usually more expensive than other units, they have less operating costs. Electric lift trucks are a lot quieter to run and do not have fuel storage requirements to consider. Also, these types of machinery have fewer moving parts so they have a longer life span as they have less components to get worn down.
The electric lift truck is not without its downsides though. These machines need recharging stations that could take as much as 8 hours th charge. There is an additional 8 hours required for cooling. Recent changes 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
Forklifts are equipped with either pneumatic or air-filled, inflated tires or cushion tires that are made up of solid rubber. There are actually also solid pneumatic tires which are a combination of the two. The pneumatic tire style is great for outdoor use. Cushion tires are great to be utilized inside and solid pneumatic tires are the best alternative for dangerous work environments where there is a possibility for regular tires being popped by sharp objects on rough terrain.