Used vs. New Forklift

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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!

Sit Down vs. Stand up Forklifts

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Sit-Down vs. Stand-Up Forklifts

There are many different options when choosing a forklift, yet all forklift’s have the main goal of moving product safely and effectively. When choosing your forklift it is best to determine which lift will benefit your operations to save you time, money and lead to your utmost safety.

Forklifts are offered in two main types – sit-down model and stand-up model, with a few main differences between the two.

Sit-down forklifts have the option of 3 or 4-wheel models. A 3-wheel model is best for those navigating smaller spaces because it has greater maneuverability.  A sit-down forklift gives the driver the opportunity to stay seated while moving product, which provides more comfort when operating a lift for extended periods of time.

Some situations do not allow the use of a sit-down rider because of workloads or space limitations. Stand-up forklifts save space and have an improved turning radius because of its compact nature. Stand-up models give better visibility, while a sit-down model allows for front facing visibility.

Here are some great questions when determining which forklift is best for you:

  1. Do you have tight areas or narrow aisles?
  2. Does the driver make extended runs or shorter runs with several stops and starts?
  3. How often is your driver moving on and off the lift?
  4. How can you increase productivity? Stand up model or sit-down model?

Consider all of these factors to choose a forklift that best suits you!

What is an Order Picker?

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Order pickers are regularly used in narrow aisle warehouses, distribution centers, and fulfillment centers. Order pickers are built to take the operator up to the rack, so they can reach a specific order. For those removing individual items from a shelf, order pickers are a great option for narrow aisles, NA, or very narrow aisles, VNA. Order pickers are not commonly used to pick up large loads, but to pick up small or individual items. They offer more flexibility for these narrow aisle environments than a traditional forklift.

 

Order pickers are electrically powered and require rechargeable batteries. They offer both manual steering or electronic steering. Electronically steered order pickers are guided with wires, typically under the warehouse floor, or mechanically with special profiles fitted on both sides of the aisle and attached to the warehouse floor.

The History of the Forklift

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1910’s

1913- The first truck with added electric powers, vertical and horizontal handling ability, and a small crane attachment is introduced.

1917 -The Tructractor is invented and is regarding as the very first forklift

1918-Clark Material Handling Company introduces the first seated counterbalance forklift. It was gasoline powered, and the engine was started by manually cranking.

1919-High lift trucks are built that raise a platform several feet. They give the ability to move materials with better range and permit handling different types of skids.

 

1920’s

Lift truck manufacturers added hydraulics and vertical lifting mast. Hydraulic cylinder and pump and control valve were also introduced. Forklifts now offered higher capacities and smoother operations.

1923- One face pallets are first used.

1926- The continued shortening of the wheelbase, center-controlled forklift, the ability for the entire mast to tilt, and the use of welding instead of riveting improves the functions and abilities of the forklift.

 

1930’s

With technological and manufacturing advancements, more innovations and capabilities were added. This was the introduction of electrical systems to forklifts. Two faced pallets are designed.

 

1950’s

Forklifts can lift loads up to 50 feet, and operator safety features are added to forklifts.

Narrow aisle, battery powered, and other specialty forklifts are being created.

 

1960’s

1967- Toyota begins selling forklifts in the United States.

 

1970’s

1972- Toyota introduces the FB7, a battery-powered electric forklift that can lift up to 1,500.

Internal Combustion Forklifts

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An internal combustion forklift is the most widely used forklift. Ideal for outdoor use, a lower initial cost, high capacities, and easy to refuel are a few of the benefits of operating an internal combustion forklift. They are powered by gas, liquid petroleum, diesel fuel, or compressed natural gas. They do require routine maintenance frequently because they often leak fuel or oil. They also regularly have worn parts that need to be replaced due to these leaks and other service issues. Luckily, newer forklifts commonly have sensors that alert, monitor, and adjust emission levels.

 

The engine and power of an internal combustion forklift is suited for more physically demanding. While they do release exhaust fumes, they have more hauling power for heavier materials and uneven surfaces. They are also unaffected by weather conditions, so they can operate in snow or rain. They are often used in heavy-duty applications, like lumber yards, unlike electric forklifts. Traditionally, electric forklifts are better suited for lighter loads.

 

One of the benefits of IC forklifts is the ability to refuel on the fly. It is as easy as loading a new LP tank or refilling gas. While you may have to refuel during a shift, it is more convenient than relying on a battery to complete charge and only having approximately 1,500 charges.

 

Forklift Attachments

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While forks typically handle and lift your loads, there may be a need for another attachment. Adding an attachment to your forklift may be the solution to add more flexibility and efficiency to your business. When selecting an attachment, consider how the load should be handled, the weight and height, and the hydraulic functions that will be used. Forklift attachments can create a large return on investment, but your forklift operators will need to be trained on how to use these attachments. With the addition of the right attachments, higher-productivity and less operator stress can save time and money.

 

  1. Forklift Positioners

Forklift positioners alter the distance between forks to reposition to fit the diverse styles of pallets. The quick hydraulically-powered attachment makes operators’ work an easier process by adjusting for the range of sizes with less work.

  1. Side-shifters

This attachment works alongside the forks to provide a side-to-side motion to allow the forks to pick up loads that are not centered. Side-shifters adds precision to the process with less wear and tear on forks and forklift. They are available in both single and double units, so drivers can move one or two pallets.

 

  1. Rotators

When needing to dump a load or when load inversion is obligatory, rotators offer the flexibility to do so. They are capable of rotating 360 degrees through hydraulically-driven mechanism. These can be added to uprights, so operators have the ability to unload into other containers easily.

 

  1. Carton Clamps

For square slip-sheet loads, carton clamps are perfect for firmly clamping on to the load. The large and flat side-plates and the two-way cylinders allow for materials to be handling precisely without damage. This attachment is for pallet-less loads, and it can increase the amount of storage space with the removal of pallets.

 

  1. Paper Roll Clamps

Paper roll clamps are upright attachments used to move round shaped objects, like drums or “paper rolls”. The attachment is built to prevent crushing, denting, or any other form of damage to the materials being transported.

 

  1. Push/Pall Pac

Push/Pull Pac removes the need for pallets. The attachments are placed on slip sheets that have a lip on them. The load is removed by a pushing motion by the forks. It is commonly used to load vehicles and in food-processing warehouses.

 

  1. Flat Surface Clamps

Similar to paper roll clamps, flat surface clamps operate in the same motion. Instead the attachment is used for items with flat sides, but they still offer damage prevention. They are commonly used to move appliances, such as washers, dryers, and refrigerators.

 

  1. Multiple Load Handlers

When loads require double or triple the amount of work, multiple load handlers can be used to increase work flow and productivity. Adding a second or third pair of forks to the truck allows for more than one load to be transported at a time. This attachment is often used in beverage and food handling warehouses.

 

  1. Carpet Poles

One of the most unique and specific attachments is the carpet pole. It is constructed of heavy duty coils to move large rolls of carpet.

Beginner’s Guide to Forklifts

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With many types of forklifts to choose from, selecting the right forklift can be difficult. Each forklift type is designed for different applications and choosing the right forklift can greatly improve your efficiency and productivity. Understanding the differences between the seven classes can help you start searching for what you require and pick the correct forklift for your needs.

 

Different Types of Forklifts

Class I: Electric Motor Riders

Ideal for carrying and moving pallets, Class I forklifts are known as electric motor riders. They are electrically powered, and they are used in a variety of indoor settings and industries, like food storage, retail, factories, and warehouses. With multiple applicable uses, Class I forklifts are quieter and do not create emissions.  Their lift capacity ranges from 3,000 to 40,000 pounds, and their electrical systems are between 24-volt and 80-volt.

 

Class II: Electric Motor Narrow Aisle Forklifts (Reach Truck, Order Pickers)

Electric, narrow aisle forklifts are also called reach trucks and order pickers. These Class II forklifts are built to over maneuverability to move easily throw aisles; with this feature, they are ideal for moving inventory, and they are consistently used to increase racking space in warehouses.

 

Class III: Electric Pallet Jacks, Stackers, and Tow Tractors

Class III includes electric pallet jacks, stackers, and tow tractors. This equipment is used to unload deliveries, as well as move items that will be later moved by other types of forklifts. Electric Pallet Jacks, Stackers, and Tow Tractors are offered in both walk-behind and rider models.

 

Class IV: Internal Combustion Cushion Tire Forklifts

Internal Combustion Cushion Tire Forklifts are classified as Class IV. These sit-down forklifts are powered by internal combustion engines that are fueled by diesel, LP gas, or compressed natural gas. These indoor use forklifts have solid, cushioned tires to give a smooth ride and avoid punctures. Class IV forklifts are used in warehousing, distribution, retail, and automotive settings. Their lift capacity is between 3,000 to 100,000 pounds.

 

Class V: Internal Combustion Pneumatic Tire Forklifts

These forklifts are commonly used for outdoor application due to their durability. Internal Combustion Pneumatic Tire forklifts are ideal for lumberyards and construction sites due to their high lift capacity, 3,000 to 125,000 pounds, and design.

 

Class VI: Electric/IC Engine Tow Tractors

Electric and Internal Combustion Engine Tow Tractors make up Class VI. Rather than lifting materials, these forklifts are used to tow loads. They are frequently used in airports and assembly line areas. While they boast a towing capacity of over 50,000 pounds, they have an extremely tight turn radius. Their AC Drive system allows for quicker acceleration, high speeds, and extended peak operating time.

 

Class VII: Rough Terrain Forklifts

Class VII, known as rough terrain forklifts, are intended for use in rough terrain. They have large, tractor-style tires, so they are commonly used in constructions sites and lumberyards to assist in lifting building materials to elevated work-sites. Rough terrain forklifts usually require diesel engines due to outdoor use and the uneven and coarse terrain.