Buying Tips
There are lots of factors to take into consideration when purchasing a lift truck. Deciding on the best machine can have a huge impact on everything from production to operating costs, to equipment downtime and worker morale.
When you are thinking of choosing a brand new or second-hand lift truck, the following is a brief list of factors to take into consideration. There are actually several particular questions the sales consultant must address to be able to help you choose the best alternative that is best for your business.
Step 1: Identify Your Needs
Identifying your requirements will ultimately help that you could find the best most capable lift truck for your business. How large are your typical load sizes? Are they 3,000 pounds to 35,000 pounds or even heavier? How many hours every day would you be utilizing this equipment? Will you be running the machinery outdoors or indoors or possibly both? How wide are your narrowest aisles to travel through? Answering these questions correctly would make sure that you are satisfied with the unit you select.
Step2: Used Vs. New Forklifts
If you are intending to use your forklift more than 4 hours a day, you would probably want to purchase a new unit. The warranty benefits alone will truly be handy. A used option would probably be enough for light duty and infrequent applications.
Step 3: Fuel Options
The huge electric forklift batteries would allow the forklift to run for approximately 8 hours. These particular power sources make lift trucks uniquely suited for indoor use because they generate no harmful emissions. Although electric models are generally more expensive compared to other units, they have less operating expenses. Electric forklifts are a lot quieter to run and do not have fuel storage requirements to consider. Also, these types of equipment have fewer moving parts so they have a longer life span since they have less components to get worn down.
One of the downsides of the battery operated lift trucks is that they need battery recharging stations and this could take approximately 8 hours. There is an added 8 hours needed for cooling. Recent innovations have made their way onto the market so as 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 outfitted with pneumatic or air-filled, inflated tires. Some lift trucks will use a solid pneumatic tires, that is a combination of the two kinds of tire. The pneumatic tire style is great to be utilized outside. Cushion tires are perfect to be used indoors and solid pneumatic tires are the best alternative for dangerous work settings where there is potential for regular tires being popped by sharp objects on rough terrain.