Buying Tips
There is certainly lots of factors to take into consideration when buying a lift truck. Deciding on the best equipment could have a huge effect on everything from productivity to operating expenses, to equipment downtime and worker morale.
When you are thinking of choosing a new or second-hand forklift, the following is a short list of factors to take into account. There are several particular questions the sales consultant should address in order to help you pick the best option which is right for your business.
Step 1: Identify Your Requirements
Making the time to identify your requirements would help ensure that you could find a capable machine. What size are your standard loads? Are they 3,000 pounds to 35,000 pounds or even heavier? How many hours each day will you be using this machinery? Would you be running the machine outdoors or indoors or potentially both? How wide are your narrowest aisles to travel through? Answering these questions correctly would ensure you are happy with the model you pick.
Step2: Brand new Vs. Second-hand Lift Trucks
If you are planning to use your lift truck more than 4 hours a day, you will probably want to purchase a new model. The warranty benefits alone would truly be handy. A used option would more than likely be enough for infrequent applications and light duty.
Step 3: Fuel Options
Usually, the big batteries that power electric lift trucks could run for an 8 hour shift. The electric models are best suited for indoor use as they generate no harmful emissions. Even though electric units are generally more expensive than other models, they have lower operating expenses. Electric lift trucks are much quieter to run and do not have fuel storage requirements to take into account. As well, these kinds of equipment have fewer moving parts so they have a longer life span because they have less parts to get worn down.
The electric forklift is not without its disadvantages though. These machinery need recharging stations that could take as much as 8 hours th charge. There is an added 8 hours needed for cooling. Recent changes have made their way onto the market so as to considerably 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 will utilize a solid pneumatic tires, that is a combination of the two types of tire. The pneumatic tire type is great to be utilized outdoors. Cushion tires are great to be used indoors and solid pneumatic tires are the best choice for dangerous work settings where there is potential for standard tires being popped by rough terrain or sharp objects.