Buying Tips
There are actually lots of things to take into consideration when purchasing a forklift. Deciding on the best equipment could have a huge effect on everything from production to operating expenses, to machine downtime and worker morale.
When you are thinking of choosing a brand new or second-hand lift truck, the following is a short list of things to take into account. There are some specific questions the sales consultant has to deal with to be able to help you select the best option which is most suitable for your company.
Step 1: Identify Your Requirements
Making the time to identify your needs will help ensure that you could find a capable equipment. What size are your typical loads? Are they 3,000 pounds to 35,000 pounds or even heavier? How many hours every day will you be using this machine? Will you be running the machine outdoors or indoors or potentially both? How wide are your narrowest aisles to go through? Answering these questions correctly will make certain that you are happy with the model you select.
Step2: Used Vs. New Forklifts
You might want to buy a new model of forklift if you are planning to use your lift truck for more than 4 hours a day. The warranty benefits alone would come in handy. A second-hand choice will probably be adequate for light duty and infrequent applications.
Step 3: Fuel Options
The large electric forklift batteries would allow the forklift to run for around 8 hours. These specific power sources make lift trucks uniquely suited for indoor application since they generate no harmful emissions. Though electric units are normally more expensive than other units, they have lower operating expenses. Electric lift trucks are much quieter to run and do not have fuel storage requirements to think about. What's more, these equipment have less moving components so they have a longer life span as they have fewer components to get worn down.
Amongst the disadvantages of the battery operated lift trucks is that they need battery recharging stations and this could take around 8 hours. There is an added 8 hours required for cooling. Recent changes have made their way onto the market so as to considerably lessen charging time. The fast-charge technology has become a great new thing.
Step 4: Tire Choice
Common forklifts utilize cushion tires made up of solid rubber or they would be equipped with pneumatic or inflated, air-filled tires. Several lift trucks would utilize a solid pneumatic tires, that is a combination of the two types of tire. The pneumatic tire type is best suited to be used outdoors. Cushion tires are great for interior applications and solid pneumatic tires are the best choice for hazardous work environments where there is potential for standard tires being popped by sharp objects on rough terrain.