Buying Tips
There is certainly numerous things to take into consideration when purchasing a lift truck. Deciding on the right machine could have a huge effect on everything from productivity to operating costs, to machine downtime and employee morale.
When you are thinking of choosing a new or second-hand forklift, the following is a short list of things to take into consideration. There are actually several particular questions the sales consultant has to deal with to be able to help you pick the best option which is best for your business.
Step 1: Identify Your Requirements
Identifying your requirements will eventually help that you can find the best most capable forklift for your business. How big are your typical 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? Will you be running the machine indoors or outdoors or potentially both? How wide are your narrowest aisles to travel through? Answering these questions accurately would make sure that you are happy with the unit you pick.
Step2: Second-hand Vs. New Lift Trucks
You may want to buy a brand new model of lift truck if you are planning to use your lift truck for more than 4 hours per day. The warranty benefits alone would come in handy. A used option would probably be adequate for infrequent applications and light duty.
Step 3: Fuel Options
The big electric forklift batteries will allow the lift truck to run for about 8 hours. These specific power sources make forklifts uniquely suited for indoor application as they generate no harmful emissions. Although electric models are generally more pricey than other models, they have lower operating costs. Electric lift trucks are much quieter to run and do not have fuel storage needs to consider. Furthermore, these types of machinery have fewer moving parts so they have a longer life span because they have fewer components to get worn down.
One of the disadvantages of the battery operated forklifts is that they need battery recharging stations and this can take roughly 8 hours. There is an additional 8 hours required for cooling. Recent innovations have made their way onto the market so as to significantly lessen charging time. The fast-charge technology has become a great new thing.
Step 4: Tire Choice
Common lift trucks use cushion tires made up of solid rubber or they would be outfitted with pneumatic or inflated, air-filled tires. Some lift trucks would utilize a solid pneumatic tires, that is a combination of the two kinds of tire. The pneumatic tire type is best suited to be utilized outside. Cushion tires are best to be utilized indoors and solid pneumatic tires are the best choice for hazardous work environments where there is a chance for regular tires being popped by sharp objects on rough terrain.