Buying Tips
There are actually numerous things to take into account when purchasing a lift truck. Choosing the right machinery can have a big effect on everything from productivity to operating expenses, to machine downtime and employee morale.
Below is a short list of factors to think about when deciding on a new or second-hand lift truck. There are actually several particular questions the sales consultant must address to be able to help you select the best option that is right for your business.
Step 1: Identify Your Needs
Identifying your needs would eventually help that you can find the best most capable lift truck for your business. How large 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 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 ensure you are happy with the unit you pick.
Step2: Second-hand Vs. New Forklifts
You may want to buy a new unit of forklift if you are intending to utilize your lift truck 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
Typically, the huge batteries that power electric lift trucks can run for an 8 hour shift. The electric units are best suited for indoor use as they generate no harmful emissions. Although electric models are usually more pricey compared to various other kinds of forklifts, they have lower operating expenses. Electric forklifts are a lot quieter to run and do not have fuel storage requirements to take into account. Furthermore, these types of machinery have less moving components so they have a longer life span because they have fewer components to get worn down.
One of the disadvantages of the battery operated lift trucks is that they require battery recharging posts and this could take roughly 8 hours. There is an additional 8 hours required 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
Forklifts are equipped with either pneumatic or air-filled, inflated tires or cushion tires that are made up of solid rubber. There can be also solid pneumatic tires that are a combination of the two. The pneumatic tire style is great to be utilized outdoors. Cushion tires are great for interior applications and solid pneumatic tires are the perfect alternative for hazardous work environments where there is potential for regular tires being popped by rough terrain or sharp objects.