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| Image by JOSE ARROYO from Pixabay |
You are thinking of purchasing a forklift, but you aren't sure what to look for or what to ask. The following are a few simple tips to help you navigate this important investment so that you get the best forklift that'll fit your needs.
1. Outdoor or Indoor?
One thing you want to know before looking for a forklift for sale is whether you'll be using it outdoors or indoors. Knowing the answer to this should help narrow down the choices. Usually, outdoor tires have varying types of tires that can handle rougher terrain, so this is an important distinction to make. If you are going to be using your forklift inside and out, then try to find a happy medium, which usually means you'll need pneumatic tires.
2. Know Your Lift Needs
You must know how high you need the lift to go. Be very specific about your needs, or you might end up with a forklift that won't do everything for you. Those who need a regular lift are probably looking for lifts that reach up to 15 feet, but some could go up to 36 feet.
3. Considering Width Limits
As you look at forklifts, you are going to worry about your width limits. Even if you haven't thought about it, you need to start doing so now. Forklifts come in many shapes, and some of those shapes might be too big for your aisles or doors. Check your width limits before shopping.
4. Thinking About the Battery
Each battery is different, and you need to make sure the forklift you choose has a battery that's going to work for you. Some can last a little longer than others, which is vital. The reality is forklifts cannot be recharged in the middle of the day; they need to be charged overnight. Making sure your forklift lasts through a shift is important.
5. Temperature Plays a Factor
Temperature plays a factor in the forklift's performance. This is sometimes overlooked, and you end up dealing with a vehicle that simply isn't right for you. If the ambient temperature is going to be cold or hot, this is something you need to bring up. Some forklifts are designed to withstand extreme temperatures, so don't forget to ask.
6. Ergonomics can Make a Difference
Ergonomics was not something many forklift makers were thinking about, but that's changed recently. Still, there are a lot of people out there who don't even think about the importance of ergonomics, but this should matter. Employees are going to be using this vehicle for hours, and good ergonomics helps fight back pain. If an employee is not comfortable, this person won't be as productive and might not be as safe as he or she should be.
7. Addressing Weight Limits
The next thing to think about is the weight capacity or rather the rated capacity. Some forklifts can lift up to 1360 kg, but others can lift up to 31751 kg, so you need to figure out what you need. Now, it is important to remember that these limits aren't everything. Just because you can lift that much, doesn't mean you'll be able to if the load is oddly shaped or if the weight is not distributed evenly. These are other things to keep in mind if you are concerned about weight limits.
8. Parts Should be Kept in Mind
Another thing that is sometimes overlooked is the importance of replacement parts. You might find two forklifts that fit your needs; one could be made by a smaller company and the other by a larger company. In all likelihood, the smaller company comes with parts that are hard to replace should you ever need to. This means longer wait times and potentially higher repair costs. Don't put yourself in that position if you have an alternative that comes with parts you can easily find.
Tips like these should help narrow down some of your choices as you are searching for the right forklift. It's important that when you find the right one that you rent it before purchasing so that your team can try it out. Once you feel comfortable with your choice, you can go ahead and make your purchase.
Autobiography
Eric Reyes is a passionate thought leader having been featured in 50 distinguished online and offline platforms. His passion and knowledge in Finance and Business made him a sought after contributor providing valuable insights to his readers. You can find him reading a book and discussing current events in his spare time.
