Buying Tips
When buying a lift truck, there are actually numerous factors to take into account because this decision may impact lots of things like production, operating costs, machine downtime, and even worker morale.
When you are thinking of choosing a new or second-hand forklift, the following is a brief list of factors to take into consideration. There is certainly several specific questions the sales consultant has to deal with to be able to help you choose the best alternative which is right for your business.
Step 1: Identify Your Requirements
Identifying your needs would eventually help that you can find the best most capable lift truck 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 would you be utilizing this equipment? Would 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 ensure you are happy with the model you choose.
Step2: New Vs. Used Lift Trucks
You may want to buy a new unit of forklift if you are intending to utilize your forklift for more than 4 hours per day. The warranty benefits alone would come in handy. A second-hand alternative will more than likely be adequate for infrequent applications and light duty.
Step 3: Fuel Options
Normally, the huge batteries which power electric forklifts can run for an 8 hour shift. The electric units are best suited for indoor applications since they generate no harmful emissions. Although electric units are usually more expensive compared to various other kinds of lift trucks, they have lower operating costs. Electric forklifts are much quieter to run and do not have fuel storage requirements to think about. In addition, these equipment have less moving parts so they have a longer life span as they have fewer parts to get worn down.
The electric lift truck is not without its downsides however. These machinery require recharging stations that could take as long as 8 hours th charge. There is an additional 8 hours needed for cooling. Recent changes have made their way onto the market in order to significantly reduce 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 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 kinds of tire. The pneumatic tire style is perfect to be used outdoors. Cushion tires are great for interior applications and solid pneumatic tires are the best choice for dangerous work settings where there is potential for regular tires being popped by sharp objects on rough terrain.