A forklift truck is an extremely important and key piece of machinery in any materials handling business, or indeed any trade requiring the lifting and moving of heavy loads. Any business owning and running a truck and relying heavily on its use in day to day business will be keen to ensure access to a reliable machine at all times.
Should the circumstances arise where one is required to consider the purchase of a new forklift truck, it is important to review all the available options in order to decide on the best course of action for your business.
Consider the requirements of your business, the amount of load and the number of hours you require your machine to work. There are many advantages of purchasing a new machine, however it is important to weigh up all the options carefully before coming to a decision. For some businesses with an existing truck, it may be prudent to consider the option of forklift truck refurbishment.
If you are considering purchasing a new truck, ensure that the specifications of any machine suggested are suitable for your requirements. If you are already running a machine you will be clear with regards to this. Any reputable dealer will be keen to supply you with the correct machine for your application and you should be asked to provide pertinent information, such as type and weight of load to be lifted, height requirements, and the environment the machine will be working within. If you are still unsure or new to using a forklift truck consider hiring a machine, before purchasing, to ensure you have selected the correct truck for the job.
Buying new can be an advantage when the machine is to be utilised for 40 hrs or more, and it also allows one to take advantage of the latest technological advances. Some machines are more affordable than others so it is important to shop around and explore all the options. It may also be possible to obtain a lease purchase agreement to spread the cost of your forklift truck, thus making buying new a more affordable option.
For those looking to improve the reliability of their machine without replacing it, the utilisation of a forklift truck refurbishment service may be a preferred option. Again it is important to make sure you entrust your machine to a reputable firm. Enquire as to the type of inspection that will be carried out and what it will cover. A common list of areas that should be included in an inspection are:
• Mast carriage and load forks
• Engine transmission
• Over head charge and chassis
• Steer axle and steer ram
• Hydraulics
• Electrics, batteries and motors
• Wheels and tyres
• Operators seat and cab area
• Exhaust system
• Brakes and drive axles
Some companies will also carry out a Thorough Examination Inspection on completion as well as a complete re-spray of the machine as part of the service.
In summary buying a new forklift truck can initially be an expensive purchase, but in the long run it can be a key asset in improving the productivity of your business. Buying new allows one to obtain a machine that is perfectly tailored to the job it is required for. However for those companies, with an existing machine, who are on a tighter budget, forklift truck refurbishment can offer another solution, improving reliability and longevity of an existing forklift truck.
Charlotte Mclean works for an established forklift truck hire business run by her family for many years. Follow the links to find out more about new and used forklift trucks for sale or hire.
