Buying Tips
When buying a lift truck, there are lots of things to take into consideration because this decision could impact a lot of things such as productivity, operating expenses, equipment downtime, and even worker morale.
Here is a brief list of things to consider when deciding on a new or used lift truck. There is certainly several specific questions the sales consultant should address in order to help you choose the best alternative that is most suitable for your business.
Step 1: Identify Your Needs
Making the time to identify your needs will help ensure that you could find a capable machinery. What size are your average loads? Are they 3,000 pounds to 35,000 pounds or even heavier? How many hours each day would you be using this equipment? Would you be running the machinery outdoors or indoors or possibly both? How wide are your narrowest aisles to go through? Answering these questions correctly will ensure you are happy with the unit you pick.
Step2: New Vs. Used Forklifts
You might want to purchase a brand new model of forklift if you are intending to utilize your lift truck for more than 4 hours per day. The warranty benefits alone would truly be handy. A second-hand alternative would more than likely be enough for infrequent applications and light duty.
Step 3: Fuel Options
Usually, the big batteries that power electric lift trucks can run for an 8 hour shift. The electric units are best suited for indoor applications because they produce no harmful emissions. Even if electric units are normally more pricey than various other kinds of forklifts, they have less operating costs. Electric lift trucks are a lot quieter to run and do not have fuel storage requirements to think about. Also, these kinds of equipment have fewer moving components so they have a longer life span since they have less components to get worn down.
One of the downsides of the battery operated forklifts is that they need battery recharging stations and this can take approximately 8 hours. There is an added 8 hours needed for cooling. Recent changes have made their way onto the market so as to significantly reduce charging time. The fast-charge technology has become a wonderful new thing.
Step 4: Tire Choice
Common lift trucks use cushion tires made up of solid rubber or they will be equipped with pneumatic or inflated, air-filled tires. Several forklifts would utilize a solid pneumatic tires, that is a combination of the two types of tire. The pneumatic tire type is perfect for outside applications. Cushion tires are great for indoor use and solid pneumatic tires are the best choice for hazardous work settings where there is a chance for regular tires being popped by rough terrain or sharp objects.