What should you pay attention to when purchasing a forklift?

Operating environment

This is the primary consideration for the purchase of a forklift, whether it is outdoor or indoor operation. If the forklift is used outside the warehouse, select a gas-, liquid-, or diesel-driven internal combustion engine type forklift; if the forklift is mainly used outdoors in a cold environment, then the gasoline-powered forklift is the most reasonable choice. It is worth noting that diesel forklifts should always be kept in use and the engine can not always be turned off; if the user starts a forklift every few minutes, it will damage the forklift; also, it is recommended that the diesel forklift should change oil regularly.

Another type of forklift truck is mainly designed for outdoor operation. It is driven by liquid petroleum, also known as LP, and competes with the gasoline fuel type forklift for the market. The LP forklift is suitable both indoors and outdoors because its exhaust gas is less toxic than gasoline. The fuel costs of LP forklifts and diesel forklifts are almost the same, but diesel forklifts are less expensive to maintain. In cold conditions, users sometimes install protective covers or heaters for LP forklift trucks; if this does not guarantee the normal operation of the forklifts, then converting LP forklifts into gasoline forklifts is also easy.

The outdoor environment not only determines the choice of the internal combustion engine, but also the type of tire used. Pneumatic tires are suitable for bumpy floors; pneumatic tires are suitable for outdoor flat and hard floors and most indoor applications.

2. Indoor storage forklift

For indoor handling, such as in warehouses, electric forklifts have an advantage. Compared with internal combustion forklifts, its main advantages are low noise and no pollution. Although the price of electric forklifts is higher than that of internal combustion forklifts, the operating costs are lower. Electric forklifts save money primarily because they do not need fuel, and they do not need to change oil and components such as plugs and sockets. The maintenance cost of an electric forklift only costs between 2 yuan and 6 yuan per hour for a normal life cycle (a forklift operates one shift per day and uses approximately 1700 hours per year). The use of electric forklifts must always pay attention to the condition of the battery, check the water level and prevent the battery from drying out.

3. Select the forklift model

The most important factor in choosing a forklift is considering its application and the actual condition of the warehouse. If the forklift is used for loading and unloading trailers, front-wheel drive and ride-on counterbalanced forklifts are more suitable. If the forklift is used to shuttle cargo to and from the trailer, one of the factors to be considered is the problem of “free lifting”, ie the fork can be raised without the gantry rising. The width of the warehouse's roadway is another issue to consider when selecting a forklift. A three-wheel drive type forklift requires a 10ft (1ft=0.304?8m) wide roadway, and a four-wheel forklift requires more space, which is 12~13ft wide. Roadway. In narrower lanes, users prefer retractable trucks with outriggers for retracting pallets that can be operated in approximately 8ft wide lanes.

4. Capacity

Factors to consider when purchasing a forklift. It is recommended to purchase a larger forklift than usual. If the pallet load to be carried by the forklift is 900KG, then a 1300KG capacity forklift is appropriate. When purchasing a forklift truck carrying a flammable or hazardous substance, the user must check its safety rating. If the forklift is marked with the E mark, a flaming phenomenon may occur; if the forklift is marked with the EE mark, more safety devices are provided; the safest level is EX, meaning that such a forklift does not have metal parts that cause ignition. In short, diesel forklifts are safer than EX class forklifts. Diesel forklifts designed for safety are marked with the DX mark.

5. Price PK efficiency

The price of a forklift is only one factor, and the ability of spare parts and maintenance services is as important as the price of the vehicle itself. Users are advised to consider the full cost of the "life" of the forklift, not just the purchase price.

Most experts are opposed to buying second-hand forklifts unless they are used as backup supplies. If the user only needs a forklift, you can buy a second-hand forklift, but be sure to confirm the quality.

Therefore, users should consider the efficiency of the forklift, the manufacturer's support, and the number of various forklifts that will be required in the future. For smart users, both long-term and short-term benefits should be considered.