Do you manage or own a construction or engineering company where material handling is a part of the job? Do you find it cumbersome to move materials from one place to another through a regular forklift and looking for a better solution? If so, then a heavy-duty forklift can be the answer to your needs.
Investing in one will save you time, money, and labor costs, to say the least. The heavy-duty forklifts are so-called because of their huge lifting capacity, which varies between 20,000 lbs and 30,000 lbs. These forklifts can carry heavy weights easily and are more stable.
However, there are certain aspects that you need to keep in mind before deciding on a heavy-duty forklift.
How much weight do you need to carry each time?
Knowing the weight capacity is important, and you need to do a rough calculation about the weights of the material parts you need to move from one part of the working place to another. This is because if the weight carried by the forklift is heavier than its capacity, it can be a serious safety hazard.
How frequently do you need to carry out the maintenance?
See the user manual for exact maintenance intervals. You need to do check-ups of the forklift’s engine and other parts regularly. A thorough check-up should be done regularly on the lift or the carriage so that there is no slip or unnecessary spillage, which may lead to major accidents.
Get the attachments to increase the functionality of the forklift
Your forklift must be able to serve the desired purpose and give you maximum flexibility. It should be able to lift the load from high above or from below. Make sure that all heavy-duty forklift parts are available on the market so that maintenance is never a headache. The forklift should be able to move freely around the warehouse, through the narrow lanes, without getting stuck or having hindrances. Here, you also need to have a mental calculation as to what maximum space your heavy-duty forklift may occupy.
The heavy-duty forklift must adjust to the environment in which it moves
The work station may be on a highland or a slope, a terrain, or a marshland. While buying the heavy-duty forklift, you need to check whether the particular machine is fit to be used in the particular topography. Better go through the options, do some research online, and discuss directly with the manufacturer the specifications of the heavy-duty forklift. It is better to go back and forth on the choices before putting your finger on the type of heavy-duty forklift that you want to buy.
Consider buying a pre-owned heavy-duty forklift
You may get a better deal from the pre-owned market. After all, investing in a heavy-duty forklift comes with a great cost. You can surely get a pre-owned one. All you need to check is the year of manufacturing of the forklift and before deciding or the final purchase make sure to get the engine, lift, and other mechanical components thoroughly inspected by a forklift specialist.