Buying Tips
When purchasing a lift truck, there are actually many factors to take into account as this decision could impact many things like productivity, operating expenses, equipment downtime, and even employee morale.
Here is a brief list of things to think about when deciding on a brand new or second-hand lift truck. There can be some particular questions the sales consultant should address to be able to help you select the best option which is right for your business.
Step 1: Identify Your Requirements
Identifying your requirements will ultimately help that you could find the best most capable forklift for your business. How large are your normal load sizes? Are they 3,000 pounds to 35,000 pounds or even heavier? How many hours each day will you be utilizing this machine? Would you be running the equipment outdoors or indoors or possibly both? How wide are your narrowest aisles to travel through? Correctly answering these questions would make certain that you are satisfied with the model you pick.
Step2: New Vs. Second-hand Lift Trucks
You may want to buy a brand new model of forklift if you are intending to utilize your forklift for more than 4 hours a day. The warranty benefits alone will come in handy. A used alternative would probably be adequate for light duty and infrequent applications.
Step 3: Fuel Options
Usually, the large batteries which power electric lift trucks could run for an 8 hour shift. The electric units are best suited for indoor use since they generate no harmful emissions. Even if electric units are usually more expensive compared to different other kinds of lift trucks, they have lower operating costs. Electric lift trucks are much quieter to run and do not have fuel storage needs to think about. As well, these kinds of machines have less moving parts so they have a longer life span because they have less components to get worn down.
The electric lift truck is not without its disadvantages however. These machinery require recharging stations that could take as much as 8 hours th charge. There is an additional 8 hours needed for cooling. Recent innovations have made their way onto the market in order to significantly lessen charging time. The fast-charge technology has become a great new thing.
Step 4: Tire Choice
Lift Trucks are equipped with either pneumatic or inflated, air-filled tires or cushion tires that are made up of solid rubber. There can be also solid pneumatic tires which are a combination of the two. The pneumatic tire kind is best suited for outdoor applications. Cushion tires are perfect for interior use and solid pneumatic tires are the perfect choice for hazardous work environments where there is potential for standard tires being popped by rough terrain or sharp objects.