What Is Your Forklift’s Trade-In Value?

Forklifts are huge and powerful, but they also will come to the end of their lives. It is always wise to know when you need to part ways with your forklift and get a new one. Knowing when to let your forklift go also positions you for trade-in deals that allow you to exchange your old forklift, top-up some money, and get a new forklift at a heavily discounted price. One prominent question comes to the fore in such considerations – How do I know my forklift’s trade-in value? Here are the main factors that go into the determination of your forklifts trade-in value.

Age/Hours

A forklift with a lower than average hours is worth more than one that is way above. Hours are an important determinant as the life of a forklift can be estimated in terms of hours. Top brands such as Toyota make forklifts that last 25000 – 30000 hours. A forklift with 3000 hours and one with 8000 will differ greatly as opposed to those at 15000 and 18000 due to the plateau effect of the depreciation.

Maintenance

It goes without saying that a forklift that is well maintained will fetch more in terms of value than one that went through little or none at all. This is one of the benefits of taking good care of your forklift in that you get good residual value.

Configuration

The specs of the forklift also come to bear when determining the value of a forklift. What is the brand, load capacity, sit or stand, power type, and mast height? Any accessories or attachments, such as fork positioner, also influence the value of the forklift.

Aesthetic appeal

At the end of day, much will also depend on how your forklift looks. Clean up your truck and take care of any visible damage to get the best resale value when you buy a forklift for sale.

We can help

If you are looking for forklifts for sale in Atlanta that allow you to trade-in your old forklift, Accurate Forklift can help. We offer a comprehensive range of forklift types and capacities from all popular brands. Talk to us today to hear how we can help you. You can reach us at 770-692-1455 or e-mail us at sales@accurateforklift.net. You can also Send Us a Message, and we will reach out as soon as possible.

Common Reasons Your Forklift May Be Overheating

One sure way to get the most from your forklift is to be able to spot warning signs when they arise. One of these warning signs is forklift overheating. When operators notice the temperature gauge angling for the danger zone, it is important to put it out of action to determine and address the causes of the overheating. Failure to do so will result in damage to some of the vital forklift parts. Accurate Forklift provides forklifts for sale in Atlanta, forklifts for rent in Atlanta, as well as forklift repair and maintenance services that include overheating forklifts. Here are some of the common reasons why forklifts overheat.

Coolant levels

Low coolant levels may result in your forklift overheating. That is why it is important to include fluid level checks in your daily inspection routine. Fluid levels, including coolant, must be regularly replenished.

Blocked radiator

The radiator plays an important role in taking care of the heat generated by the engine. Any blockage will compromise air flow and reduce its efficiency, resulting in forklift overheating. Check the radiator for any foreign items as part of fixing an overheating forklift.

Broken fan / fan belt

The fan and fan belt comprise another area that you must check when your forklift is overheating. Damage to the fan and belt may result from a host of reasons including the impact of things falling through the cracks underneath the hood, and regular wear and tear. This is because of the location of the fan and belt.

Others

There are several other reasons behind forklifts overheating, especially during the summer when cooling systems are put to the ultimate test. Some of the causes we will not discuss include out-of-adjustment inching pedals, operator riding inching pedal, and environment.

We can help

If your forklifts are overheating and you need expert help to get the issue resolved, Accurate Forklift is the place to go. We provide forklift service and maintenance in Atlanta for all popular forklift brands and types. We also offer oem forklift parts for sale at affordable prices as well as used forklifts for sale in Atlanta. Call us today at 770-692-1455 or email us at sales@accurateforklift.com to discuss your requirement and get answers to all your questions. Never leave overheating forklifts unfixed as it will usually result in great damage and even bigger downtimes for you and your company.

Important Safety Signs for Your Warehouse

Proper training needs to be reinforced by appropriate safety signs to reduce or eliminate accidents. Protecting workers, subcontractors, and visitors is very important in every industry that employs powered industrial trucks. According to OSHA statistics, forklift accidents are responsible for a staggering 34,900 serious and 61,800 non-serious injuries every year. They also account for about 85 fatalities.

Semiotics Standards

There are two sets of standards that set out the best practices standards for the use of safety signs, markings, and labels.  They constitute modern methods of communicating risk and warning people in a warehouse or facility. The American National Standards Institute’s US Safety Sign Standards and the International Organization for Standards (ISO) standards on safety signs employs semiotics to come up with the best signs and placement.

Some of the Common Warehouse Safety Signs

Apart from employing safety signs that are directly related to forklifts such as forklift traffic signs, here are some signs that you must have in your facility when you buy forklifts for sale.

Trips, Slips, and Falls

If your warehouse or facility has areas where slips, trips, slips, and near misses often occur, it is important to put up warning signs if the threat cannot be eliminated. A cable in the path, a step down, or an uneven surface can be the cause of serious accident.

Electricity Warning

If there places where workers, subcontractors, or visitors can come into contact with high voltage electricity, it is mandatory to put up warning signs. It is one of the most cited OSHA violations and often leads to serious injuries and even death.

Flammable Substances Warning

If there are any flammable materials or substances such as your forklifts’ gas or propane, you must put up a warning sign that is clearly visible to all who come in that area.

Other Signs

Other signs that are a must in your warehouse or facility include biohazard warning, authorized personnel only, forklift parking, overhead height warning, as well as the exit sign.

Get Your Forklifts from the Best

Accurate Forklift is your one-stop-shop for all things forklifts, whether forklifts for sale in Atlanta, forklifts for rent, forklift parts for sale. The first step towards greater safety around the workplace starts with the caliber of forklift dealer that you choose. We carry Caterpillar forklifts, Nissan forklifts, Toyota forklifts, and Hyster forklifts for sale in Atlanta. We give you the advantage of experience garnered over decades at the top of all things forklifts. Call us today at 770-692-1455 or mail to sales@accurateforklift.net.

Common Must-Know Forklift Problems

Proper and regular forklift maintenance is important to ensure their efficient and safe operation, keep expensive repairs at bay, and eliminate downtimes.  The ability to identify problems in their infancy or anticipate and eliminate frequently occurring issues is very valuable. If you have just bought your forklift for sale, this blog helps you hit the ground running by providing useful information on some of the common must-know forklift problems.

Steering

The steering can often cause maintenance issues and pose great risk if it goes for extended periods without getting checked. Make sure the fluid levels are always right and that the steering gears are not worn out. Get the forklift inspected immediately if the gears exhibit signs of wear. Include steering checks in your regular forklift maintenance routine

Lift

The lift mechanism of a forklift can also experience frequent problems if it goes without forklift service on a regular basis. If the forklift is experiencing problems or exhibiting erratic behavior when raising and lowering the mast, there could be issues with the hydraulic system. The problem could be due to depleted levels of hydraulic fluid or a clog in the system.

Electrical problems

Forklifts have many electrical components that can present serious problems if the truck goes without regularly scheduled forklift maintenance. However, the battery can also cause electrical parts to malfunction if it is way past its time. This may also result in your forklift having difficulty or failing to start. Replace the battery immediately to fix the problem and be sure to check it regularly for leaks and fluid levels, among others.

Tires

Your forklift tires can also compromise performance, damage the suspension, or even pose a serious risk if they go without maintenance checks.  Worn or damaged tires compromise the suspension and the forklift truck’s ability to lift loads. Check your forklift tires and replace them as and when necessary. Also make sure any forklifts for sale or forklifts for rent have good tires on them before entering into any deal.

Let us help

If you are looking for a reputable provider of forklifts for sale in Atlanta, we are here to help. Accurate Forklift offers forklifts for sale and forklifts for rent as well as a comprehensive range of parts for Caterpillar forklifts, Nissan forklifts, Hyster forklifts, and Toyota forklifts as well. Call us at 770-692-1455 or mail to sales@accurateforklift.net or rentals@accurateforklift.net for details on how we can help.

Common Forklift Equipment and Attachments to Consider

Forklift trucks can perform a variety of different specific tasks with the help of the right forklift attachments. It is important to make sure that you know the kind of attachments you need in your warehouse or at a job site when you go shopping for forklift trucks for sale. Accurate Forklift offers an extensive selection of new and used forklifts for sale as well as forklifts for rent. You can also get a range of the most popular forklift attachments for sale or with your rental forklift. Here are some of the common forklift equipment and attachments that you ought to know.

Fork Extension

Fork extensions help your forklift increase the weight it can take in a single load. Available in 4-6 inches of fork widths, and black and yellow color options, they are popular in many forklift applications. Their length is anywhere from 48-96 inches and they can set you back between $300 to $1,000.

Fork Positioner

If you need to buy or rent a forklift for your warehouse, you may want to consider getting a fork positioner. This is especially true if you handle pallets of different sizes, as it makes it easy for operators to easily and accurately execute the desired tasks, while reducing pallet damage. Depending on what you have between 3 to 7-inch-wide carriers, you have the option of choosing from mounting Classes 2, 3, and 4. Expect to pay anything from $1,000 upwards.

Boom

A forklift can easily take on the role of a crane with the help of a boom or telescopic boom. The forklift can reach extended lengths of between 12 to 15 feet for the standard booms which cost anywhere from $600 to $2,500. They can support a maximum of 6,000 lbs. in weight.

Side Shifter

If you are looking for a forklift for sale to work in tight spaces, a side shifter is a recommended add-on for your lift truck. With the press of a button, forklift operators can adjust their loads eliminating the need to reposition the forklift altogether. Depending on the maximum weight of the loads that you wish to haul between 5,500 – 10,000 lbs., you can choose from Classes 2 and 3. Expect to pay anything between $500 to $1,000.

Talk to a forklift sales expert

There are many other pieces of forklift equipment and attachments that you may need to consider when you go hunting for forklifts for sale in Atlanta, including Hook Plate, Rotator, Lifting Beam, Man Basket, Drum Snatcher, Poll Attachments, and Roll and Barrel Clamp. Your search for forklift sales online or forklifts for rent online ends at Accurate Forklift. We offer a range of brands and models of forklifts for sale and forklift rental services, as well as the necessary equipment and attachments at affordable prices and rates. Call today to talk to a forklift sales and rentals expert at 770-692-1455. You an also fill out our contact form or mail to service@accurateforklift.net.

Tips to Make Sure Your New Forklift is Safe to Operate

Forklifts are very useful material handling pieces of equipment that are employed across different industries. A simple check of forklifts for sale online will show you that these machines don’t come cheap at all. If you are looking to buy a forklift truck, you can either go for a brand new, used, and in some cases, salvage option. Whatever your choice and the reasons behind it, it remains your responsibility to ensure that it satisfies all the safety requirements before deploying it.  This is especially true, when you opt for used forklifts for sale. OSHA will institute investigations into any accident that occurs at job sites or warehouses involving a forklift truck, with injuries and fatalities often resulting in hefty fines. To make sure that your forklift is safe to operate, here are some of the things to keep in mind.

Go for a reputable brand

The first and perhaps, most important step is to go for a reputable brand. You can easily find Caterpillar forklifts, Nissan forklifts, Toyota forklifts and Hyster forklifts for sale in Atlanta. The good thing about going for top brands is that you can buy used forklifts for sale from authorized dealers that have certified mechanics. This means the forklift is properly serviced and tested. You also have access to forklift oem parts and can easily repair your forklift it if the need arises.

Make sure all safety features are working

Performing an operational pre-check is also very important. There are a number of aspects that you have to check such as the brakes, cockpit controls, as well as the lights and alarms. Make sure the brakes, parking brakes, and other stopping systems are in perfect working order. Test drive the forklift to check its controls and safety systems one by one. If any problems are registered, do not operate the forklift truck until it has been repaired.

Buy forklifts for sale from Accurate Forklift

If you are looking for forklifts for sale in Atlanta, Accurate Forklift is the place to go. We provide a comprehensive selection of caterpillar forklifts, Nissan forklifts, Toyota forklifts and Hyster forklifts for sale and the best forklift technical service to back you up all the way. Call us today to get more information on available deals on forklifts for sale and forklifts for rent. You can reach us at 770-692-1455, fill out our contact form, or mail to sales@accurateforklift.net.

A Look At Some Common Forklift Applications

The forklift and conveyor manufacturing industry is worth a staggering $31+ Billion every year and the figures are expected to rise considerably in future. The industry employs around 100 000 people and features big names such as Toyota, Caterpillar, and Hyster. You can find all the best forklifts for sale in Atlanta, whether new, used, or salvage. In this brief read, we look at the various applications of forklift trucks across industries in moving large and heavy items. 

Warehouses

Although small warehouse operations can manage without a forklift, large operations demand the best forklifts for the job. Warehouses can choose from the various styles and sizes from forklifts for sale in Atlanta. The forklift trucks can offer range from pedestrian operated to large driver operated models. They serve myriad purposes and include but are not restricted to pallet trucks and shelf stackers. There are also a number of forklift attachments that are popular with warehouse operators when performing specific tasks. 

Dockyards

Forklift trucks were first used to load and unload barges and ships during the second world war. Since then, they have gone through lots of transformation and now work to haul huge containers from delivery trucks to dockyard storage, and ultimately to ships. They are super quick and efficient and also relied upon for the hauling and offloading of shipments.

Construction sites

Forklift trucks are also a common feature at construction sites, where they haul heavy building materials. They provide the functionalities of a truck and lifting equipment, which in some instances is replaced with truck mounted forklifts to haul the materials over great distances and even rough terrain. Truck mounted forklifts are widely used in a variety of configurations such as in bucket lifts. 

Other Uses

Various attachments enable forklifts to perform specialized tasks such as dust mopping, and wet, or dry sweeping warehouses, parking lots, and dock floors. A plow attachment can also be added to get rid of snow and dirt piles. Our forklifts for sale in Atlanta feature a wide range of forklifts for every requirement. We also provide top shelf forklift repair services in Atlanta for all popular forklift makes. Call us today to discuss your requirement and get the best options and deals on your next forklift truck.

Must-Have Forklift Safety Accessories

Safety is always of paramount importance when deploying your forklifts. It starts with choosing the right forklift for sale in Atlanta, hiring a certified operator, and equipping it with the necessary safety accessories. The majority of forklift that are in use could actually be made to be better prepared to take on their daily tasks. Here are 3 accessories that can help you expand and enhance your safety measures. 

Suspension chair

If you want to eliminate downtimes due to forklift operator injury, ergonomic or suspension chairs are the way to go. Money spent on suspension chairs gives your enterprise a healthy return on investment as your business will record a significant boost in productivity. Your forklift operators benefit from suspension chairs through improved posture, and relief to some common issues associated with working for extended hours. In such a scenario, efficiency in increased, compensation claims are reduced drastically, among many other benefits. Talk to your provider of forklifts for sale in Atlanta for the best suspension chairs.

Blue Strobe Lights

Safety lighting technology is another safety accessory that you ought to install on your forklifts. Blue strobe lights are the best of the technology and are commonly available as LED lights, making them better than other options at illuminating. The lights help make forklifts more visible and command attention. If you are working in poor lighting or fog, blue strobe lights make a perfect choice. You can buy them online and get your provider of forklift repairs in Atlanta to install them for you. 

Spill Kits

Spill kits are a must in work environment that deal in handling of hazardous materials. They comprise essential tools to prevent and remedy spill hazards. You can use the kit if your forklift has oil, battery acid, or anti-freeze leaks. Forklift operators and other employees can easily and safely deal with harmful spills with exposing themselves to any harm. 

You can never be too safe!

Talk to agents providing forklifts for sale or forklift repairs in Atlanta to get discuss and get advice on the safety accessories you need in your operations. Getting the best forklift repairs in Atlanta also helps bolster safety by ensuring that maintenance and repairs are carried out on time and that only forklift oem parts are installed.

5 Important Forklift Battery Care Tips

After finding the best forklift for sale in Atlanta, it is important to assign a certified and experienced operator, as well as know how to maintain it. Apart from ensuring the general good health of your forklift, the battery also deserves special attention. Without the proper care, it is easy for your forklift battery to suddenly get weak, fail to maintain a proper charge, or malfunction. Such a scenario negatively impacts your operations by failing to cater to your forklift truck’s power requirements for the duration of a day’s work. Let’s look at 5 ways you can increase the life of your forklift battery. 

Maintain the battery

The first and perhaps obvious way to increase the life of your forklift battery is to make sure that it receives proper maintenance. Proper forklift maintenance helps make sure that it does not wear out or deteriorate at an abnormal rate. Some of the steps you can take include keeping the terminals in a tip-top condition, keeping away corrosion and rust, as well as checking for any battery acid leaks. 

Charge after an 8-hour shift

Knowing the proper frequency to charge your battery helps enhance its lifespan. According to expert advice, doing so after an 8-hour shift is the best way to achieve that objective. Also make sure that all forklift truck batteries are fully charged before the start of a new working day. Instruct all forklift operators to keep an eye on the power levels throughout every day to nip problems in the bud. 

Keep away from ‘Quick charges’

Quick charges are out of the question. Proper full battery charging has no shortcuts. This is one of the notable ways you can avoid damaging the battery and adopting an inefficient approach. Talk to your provider of forklift repairs in Atlanta on the best charging practices if you run into problems associated with improper battery charging. 

Charge in a ventilated area

You need to charge your forklift battery without any disruption or occlusions and also keep away oxidation. This can only be achieved by charging it in a well-ventilated area. Oxidation results in rust, which negatively impacts the battery life. Talk to your provider of forklifts for sale in Atlanta for tips on how best you can design such an area. 

Do not over discharge

Abnormal discharge loads cut short the life of your battery. Avoid discharging more than 80 percent of your batteries. When you go shopping for a forklift for sale in Atlanta, find a battery that gives you the best discharge curve. Ask your provider of forklift repairs in Atlanta to check your battery every time the truck goes for maintenance or repairs. Make sure your forklift operators are educated on the best battery care practices

Energy Efficient Benefits of Electric Forklifts

Are you on the hunt for a forklift for sale in Atlanta? The market is awash with options and it is easy to get confused as to which one to pick. Before you concern yourself with choosing the best make and model, the first order of business is whether to go for a gas or electric powered forklift. The best addition to your fleet is an electric forklift and you can find forklifts for sale in Atlanta with a simple search online. Providers of forklifts and forklift parts in Atlanta can also give you access to cost effective options. Here are some of the energy efficient benefits that you stand to gain from an electric forklift.

 
Environmental friendliness

There is so much talk and action globally around protecting the environment. You can play your part by opting for an electric forklift as it does not pollute the air owing to the absence of exhaust emissions. Some forklift manufacturers are actually raising the bar in terms of environmental management protocols such as ISO 14001 Certification. Electric forklifts allow you to save on overheads while integrating other green technologies to further reduce any negative impact on the environment. 

Lower maintenance costs

Although you will have to pay a little bit more for an electric forklift, you will incur lesser maintenance and repair costs. Forklift repair service providers in Atlanta can cater to all popular forklift makes and models. Electric forklift have lesser moving components and mechanism owing to the absence of a combustion engine. You can forget about buying oil, belts, spark plugs, pistons, and converters when you go hunting for new or used forklift parts in Atlanta. 

Ample power and capacity

Electric forklifts offer equal and in some cases better power and capacity when compared with gas forklift. You can haul the same loads that are assigned to gas forklifts. They can haul goods up to 3,500 pounds. Talk with a provider of forklifts for sale in Atlanta to explore available options to meet your requirements. 

Save costs and the environment

There is every reason to go for an energy efficient option when you go shopping for forklifts for sale in Atlanta. Choose a model for which you can easily find new and used forklift parts in Atlanta. Providers of new and used forklift also give you access to the best forklift maintenance and repairs in Atlanta. It is advisable to research on the different makes and models before going in the market.

Warehousing 101: Optimizing Forklift Maintenance

If you are looking to streamline your warehouse operations and business processes, proper forklift maintenance is a good starting point. Due diligence starts when you go hunting for forklifts for sale in Atlanta. It is folly to consider the price without looking at the costs of forklift oem parts and repair in Atlanta associated with the specific brand and model under consideration. Proper forklift maintenance and repair helps you reduce or eliminate downtimes, reduce repair costs, and run operations more smoothly.

Archaic safety practices

Safety in any warehouse largely relies on the safety practice in place. Failure to keep up with changes with regards to safety can result in fundamental errors, accidents, injuries, and even death during maintenance. Optimize your forklift maintenance practices by tapping into relevant changes within the industry.

Poor emissions control

You risk incurring fines if your forklift trucks don’t meet emissions control requirements. Any effective forklift maintenance regimen must be mindful of emissions control requirements to avoid the burden of fines on your warehouse at the time of inspections. One way to go about this is integrating green technology. 

Unchecked leaks

Forklift maintenance crews and operators must liquid levels. Checking hydraulic fluid, battery, and coolant before releasing a forklift from the workshop or operating it should be standard practice to avoid overheating, loss of power and failed forks. It goes without saying how disastrous any of these incidents can be during the critical phases of hauling goods. Identify and fix problems before they demand costly repairs. You can get affordable used forklift parts in Atlanta to help keep your maintenance costs down. 

Inaccurate tire pressure

Any forklift operator, owner, mechanic, or warehouse manager knows the importance maintaining the correct tire pressure at all times. That is why checking tire pressure should become second nature. Underinflating means poor traction, while overinflating can lead to blowouts. Forklift operators must keep pressure gauges handy at all times to avoid accidents and costly forklift repairs.

Get expert help

Not checking brakes routinely can also result in disaster or unnecessary costs. Talk to your provider of forklifts for sale in Atlanta to discuss the availability and costs of forklift oem parts in Atlanta for the forklift you want to buy or already own. They can also help you with forklift repairs and finding used forklift parts in Atlanta that have been tested. Discuss your forklift maintenance regime for advice on any areas that you may need to work on to improve safety and efficiency, and lower costs.

Forklift Monitoring Tips to Reduce Costs

Experienced forklift operators will tell you how easy it is to loose control of your forklift operational costs, whether you own a fleet or rely on forklift rentals in Atlanta. You must identify ways and opportunities to maximize savings without compromising operations. This can only be achieved through monitoring the costs of running your forklift truck fleet and finding creative ways to cut overheads. You need to look at elements such as routing, operator behavior, and optimal utilization to drive savings. Providers of forklift rentals and forklifts for sale in Atlanta can help you get your forklift fleet management right. 

Routing

Forklift operational costs may shoot up due to poor routing. To fix routing issues, implement routing that utilizes real time information from the fleet. Establish efficient and expedient routes to haul items. Make a list of your routing challenges and address the most pertinent as a matter of priority. There are various technologies you can use to improve your fleet routing and optimize inventory location, including supply chain management software and GPS.

 
Utilization Efficiency

Keeping a grip on forklift operational costs also entails ensuring efficient and effective utilization of the fleet. Eliminate all wasteful behaviors and practices by using telematic monitoring systems to access the best programs and applications for the purpose. The solution gives every user instant access to vital information such as maintenance management, fleet allocation, training information, and operator compliance.

 
Operator Behavior

Accidents in the warehouse or at job sites are costly to the business and often avoidable. Timely forklift repairs in Atlanta and staying on top of operator behavior are two of the best ways to reduce accidents. To regulate operator behavior, prohibit the use of electronic equipment such as phones to avoid distractions when operating a forklift truck. You must also enforce compliance, set speed limits, monitoring driving behaviors, and raising safety awareness.

 
Save More on Forklift Rentals and Sales

Although keeping a tab on operational costs gives you savings, you can also save immensely while getting good value for money when buying new or used forklifts to grow your fleet. Search for the best forklift rentals in Atlanta and engage in comparison shopping. You can also find the nation’s leading providers of forklifts for sale and forklift repairs in Atlanta. Get all your forklift oem parts from reputable dealers to eliminate downtimes and costly repairs.

Forklift Rental Options. What's Best For Me

When you need to get a forklift for your company for the first time, the options before you can be overwhelming. It takes a bit of time and some research to wrap your head around the various forklift leasing options and forklifts for sale in Atlanta and other places before you can find the best fit for your requirements. You have to weigh the pros and cons of leasing and buying your materials handling equipment. There is not clear-cut way to approach the leasing Vs buying options when it comes to forklift trucks despite the abundance of ‘expert opinion’ in support of one or the other.

Basic Approach

The first and perhaps most notable deciding factor when faced with the lease vs buy question is your company’s financial wellbeing and how you intend to use the forklift truck. If your equipment handles significantly lighter loads and those that have huge and highly profitable, it is advisable to buy your own forklift trucks as opposed to leasing. The search will naturally take you to two places, your accountants office and forklift dealer.

Leasing Options

• Some of the available leasing options include: Residual or operating lease also called fair market value which features the lowest rates. It can however prove costly in the long term as you are required to pay the equipment’s fair market value if you intend to keep it at the expiration of your lease. 
• A full service lease which works like a long term rental as it allows you to make monthly payments while leaving repairs and reliability to the owner. 
• A full buyout, capital or dollar value lease, which calls for high payments 

If you are looking to reduce your monthly payments, taking out extended leases can help. You need to take care not to extend the lease beyond a point where it offers dividends for your company. You also need to consider the benefits of ownership, which we will cover in a separate blog.

Forklift Maintenance Tips For The Start Of A New Year

As the year begins, it’s a good time to take stock of your equipment before getting down to business. If you use forklifts, it is important to periodically undertake routine maintenance to eliminate downtimes, prevent costly repairs, ensure the equipment performs safely and optimally, and serves you for long. If your lift truck is not in good shape or out of action, this may be a good time to recondition it or consider getting a new one. You can also get used forklifts for sale in Atlanta and other jurisdictions at affordable prices. Below are some of the major parts of a forklift that you must check before putting it back to use.

Battery life/Condition

If a forklift battery is near the end of its life or damaged, it can cause unnecessary disruptions or delays to your operations. If your battery is in a bad state, try to repair it, and if not possible, get a new one. If it is still in a good condition, just service it to ensure it continues to work optimally and lives long. Get expert help if you are not familiar with battery servicing or repair.


Hydraulics

Always ensure that the lift truck’s hydraulic system is intact. That means checking for any cracks in the hydraulic pipes and ensuring that oil is not leaking from the pipes. Also, make sure that your lift truck is well lubricated to aid the proper functioning of the engine, tines etc., and longevity. If the components are lubricated and hydraulics routinely maintained, you reduce downtimes and expensive repairs by preventing or fixing problems in their infancy. If you are ever in need of forklift service fixing the problem early is the key to long and costly repairs.


Tines and Tires

Your fork tines should still be intact, without any receding cracks that may cause accidents or even further damage the lift truck. If they are worn out or damaged, replace them. Likewise, ensure that the tires are in an excellent condition and can see the forklift through the year. It is always good practice to keep spare tires in case of any damage to the ones in use, to eliminate downtimes.


Forklift License

Remember to check your lift truck’s license for validity. If the license needs to be renewed soon, keep the fact in mind and note it down somewhere. You need to get the forklift inspected to get it licensed. Also, check your operators training, and if they need new training for the new or used lift truck in your fleet, make arrangements for the training and certification. This is to help reduce accidents and abide by regulations, and ensure proper use of your equipment.
Stay on Top of the Situation


Regular inspection of your forklift is a good practice, as it alerts you of any issues that need to be addressed. Routine checks and maintenance of your lift truck also helps you determine if it is still in good condition to carry out the desired tasks safely and efficiently. You might be better off renting or getting a new one. You can also get used lift trucks for sale from reputable forklift services providers in Atlanta.

Tips on Choosing the Right Forklift

Selecting the right forklift is very important for you to enjoy maximum utilization in your company. There are many elements that come together to influence the best choice of forklift truck for your requirements. If you wish to own a forklift for your company’s operations, it is best that you consider a few important aspects so that your investment is worth its while. Below are a few pointers that will help you in doing just that.

Nature of your work

If most of your operations require the use of a forklift truck and you use it for more than 5 hours every day, it may be better to purchase a forklift than keep on renting. You must also be sure that it is not only for temporal but you will be using it a lot more in the foreseeable future. However, it may not be necessary for smaller operators to purchase a forklift as opposed to bigger companies.

Working Environment

You must identify the environment in which the forklift will be working. Either indoors or outdoors, smooth or rough terrain etc. This helps your forklift sales provider better assist you to choose the right forklift. The right choice ensures that the forklift will have a longer lifespan, giving you value for your money.

Load Size

How much is the load that the forklift will be expected to carry? Specify the maximum, minimum and average load that your forklift will carry. The best way forward is to opt for one with a load capacity that is higher or within the range of your requirements. It is important that you consider the nature of your load so that you get a lift truck with fork attachments that are suitable for the job. There is nothing more frustrating than getting a machine which cannot handle its operations due to configuration issues, which is why you must keep this in mind when choosing your lift truck for sale in Atlanta or any other place.

Fuel type

Choice of fuel type is related to your work environment. Let’s say you require the lift truck to work in a warehouse, it is advisable to go for battery power. This is due to the fact that it does not produce much noise, the power source is cheaper, and has a longer life span, although it has high maintenance cost. If the forklift is required for outdoor work, a diesel or gas powered option is the best. This is because they can handle higher power requirements to maneuver around different terrain while carrying maximum loads. Big lift trucks are often either diesel or gas powered.

Brand new or Used.

You do not always need to purchase a brand-new forklift. If you are looking to add a forklift in your fleet or seek to buy your first truck on a restricted budget, you may want to consider a reconditioned forklift truck for sale. This will help you save lots of money and get a near-mint condition machine in the process. If, however, you need a machine with a longer lifespan to handle major operations in your company, then search for the best deals on brand new forklifts for sale online.

Final remarks

When getting a lift truck, find a that enjoys a good reputation in the market and gives you access to wide choice and great deals on forklifts for sale in Atlanta or any other jurisdiction. Conduct background checks on the service provider and google the specs of the various options on your shortlist. Get some expert help and maybe hire the same model before buying to assess its performance and suitability for your requirements.