When planning to purchase a forklift there are many questions that should be answered before deciding whether to buy new or used. Both types have advantages and disadvantages, but generally one will fit your situation better than the other.
When to Buy Used?
- When the lift will only be in use for a few hours per day (Generally, no more than 5 days per week and 5 hours a day)
- Single Shift Operation
- Not part of a heavy duty, nonstop environment
- When adding an additional unit for backup
- When funds are limited (Can be up to 50% less than a new unit)
- When you need a good unit now
Why Used?
- Most can still be financed and/or leased, including FMV residual leases
- Nearly immediate delivery vs. long lead time of new units
- Parts can be a major concern among newer models
- Some units still qualify for some or part of the original factory warranty
- “Extended” or “certified” warranties are available from the manufacturer for many used units
- In many cases, there is little difference between the “remaining life” of a used lift vs. a new lift
- Customer receives fair market value for the material
Although there are many advantages of buying used, there are also a few disadvantages. Such as, just like a used vehicle, a used forklift will have visual wear and tear than a new lift will not have. You will need to receive a detailed report of any previous maintenance issues and take into consideration how long it has been used.
As for new units, they generally speak for themselves. A few advantages of buying a new unit is that new models are equipped to handle longer hours at an efficient pace, whereas the used model is better to be used on occasion. New lifts have a warranty that can be anywhere from 12 to 36 months. A disadvantage of buying a new forklift is that some push away from the higher price and the longer delivery, yet a new forklift can be a better investment.
When deciding to buy a forklift, consider all of these factors to make the best decision for your work environment! Used or new, you are sure to be in good hands with The Lilly Company!
Fasten Your Forklift Seat belt!
Even in a spacious warehouse, you may still be searching for ways to optimize for more storage. Many businesses are searching for solutions to enlarge their storage potential, and choosing the correct pallet racking could be the secret to success. Making these changes could increase space utilization, accessibility, efficiency, and speed. The various types of pallet racking provides these solutions to a business to improve their warehouse’s functions.
Types of Pallet Racking
OSHA, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, requires all employers to provide and maintain a safe and healthful workplace for employees. OSHA completes regular inspections to insure all workplaces maintain their standard of health and safety. During these inspections, they identify any existing or potential hazards in the workplace, and they advise to eliminate or control them. Workplaces are inspected on a schedule based off of the industry. The fatal injury rate for warehousing employees is higher than other industry, so OSHA requires more frequent inspections of warehouses. To ensure the warehouse maintains and exceeds OSHA’s standards, it is recommend that employers use a safety checklist.
When a counter-balanced forklift isn’t right for your needs, a pallet jack may be what your warehouse needs. Warehouses and distribution settings often depend on pallet jacks when space is confining. Pallet jacks include walkies, end-controlled riders and center-controlled riders, walkie stackers, and walkie reach trucks. While warehouses are the most common destination for pallet jacks, they are also used in retail and manufacturing environments due to their flexibility and the increased productivity.
Electric pallet jacks are often the premier choice for warehouse applications. They can be used in a variety of applications for whatever the warehouse’s need may be. They are often used because they are less expensive than traditional forklifts and fit in smaller spaces. They also have a smaller operating cost and more user friendly. While they have limited vertical height and less flexibility, they still serve many warehouses well.
To have an efficient and safe work place, your warehouse has to be utilized well. Having the right amount of storage and space can create a more productive work flow. These three methods can help increase warehouse space to allow for more storage.
When working in a warehouse, we often to think about the safety of pedestrians and equipment. Hours are spent in training programs, while the protection of products on pallets are forgotten. Pallet rack uprights and beams are vulnerable to the impact of accidents, and without safety protocols, there could be damaged goods or even worse, injured employees. To prevent impact, warehouses should invest one of these four or more solutions. These pallet racking protectors will absorb the impact from any angle, so no object or individual has to!
When you need to reach high places, a scissor lift often comes in handy. The reliable mobile elevating work platforms can be used for a variety of applications, but safety and careful use of a scissor lift is important. OSHA states that scissor lift accidents are primarily caused by a lack of fall protection, stabilization, and positioning. To prevent these accidents, proper safety training should be implemented. Pre-operation checks, following manufacturer’s instructions, and using the proper safety equipment are a few of the measures that should be taken to operate a scissor life safely.