Moving heavy good is a task which is not simple or easy. In order to do so safely and efficiently, companies will likely need to use forklift trucks, especially if they are involved in heavy industry. Companies simply cannot expect manpower alone to transport heavy goods as this would be slow, inefficient and would probably cause many accidents, but so many companies are confused when it comes to buying forklift trucks from places like Impact Handling, because there are simply so many forklifts to choose from and so many ways to acquire them, that they do not know where to start. Hopefully, this post will shed some light on forklift truck purchasing.
Buy or Hire?
When it comes to acquiring forklift trucks, companies can either choose to buy the machines of hire them from companies like Impact Handling. Which option they choose will depend on their needs. For example, if a company is going to be moving heavy goods day in day out for the foreseeable future, then investing in a good quality forklift truck would be a good idea, providing they had the means to buy one. If however, a company only requires the use of a forklift truck on an ad-hoc basis, depending on how much work they have on, or which jobs they have undertaken, hiring forklift trucks by the day, week, or even year could be more cost effective, so businesses need to really think about how they will used forklift trucks before deciding on a course of action.
Brand
There are many different brands of forklift trucks available and some are definitely better than others. One of the best brands which Impact Handling has no problem in recommending is Caterpillar. They manufacture high quality, purpose built forklift trucks which can be used for a range of applications and which are extremely powerful. It is unlikely a company will have any regrets if they opt for caterpillar forklift trucks, however, they should always look closely at each brand and model’s specifications to ensure they are buying the model which suits their application best.
Application
Forklift trucks are used for a range of applications, from moving large pallets to loading racking. The applications companies will be using their forklift trucks for must be taken into consideration when buying a forklift truck. Counterbalance forklift trucks are the most commonly bought because they can be easily driven right up to the racking or loading area and this makes them very convenient, but if you are looking to move pallets, for example, a hand pallet truck may be more appropriate, or if you are looking for a forklift truck to be used in a warehouse, a reach truck may be best as it can reach high shelves and racking units.
It really is important to consider the types of things you will be using your forklift trucks for before you go ahead and buy or hire them. If you are unsure, staff at Impact Handling are always there to help you through the process.