The Hidden Costs of Forklifts
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There is much more to purchasing forklifts. With over 65 years of industry experience and data, we have found that often there are many variables that can greatly affect the total cost of ownership. The price you pay for your piece of equipment, by most accounts, reflects about 10% of the total ownership
costs of that piece of equipment. This leaves 90% of your total costs up in the air. Depending on many variables, you could pay much more for the equipment than you needed to, or much less.
These Variables Include:
Performance and Reliability of Equipment: Comparing costs per hour to operate can give you a good idea of what competing pieces of equipment will cost you over their useful life. When comparing cost per hour to operate, you should be sure you’re comparing similar models under similar circumstances.
Power Options: While this is often a part of performance and cost per hour, knowing the fuel costs for each comparing brand and calculating total costs over the life of the equipment can sometimes be quite an eye-opener. In addition, what are your fuel alternatives? Can you use electric model forklifts?
Specifications vs. Operations: Knowing what your facility will accommodate and comparing that with each model will give you insight into how each model will perform, given your operating parameters.
Factors include: aisle width vs. turn radius, drawbar pull, suspension, and ergonomics compared to your floor condition, indoor/outdoor use, and ceiling height/rack height vs. max lift height.
Safety: Never underestimate the safety features of your equipment. What equipment is being specified and what equipment is optional from each manufacturer is very important to know. Reducing your accident costs or product/facility damage can make a big difference in your total fleet operational expenses.
Ergonomics: A comfortable and smooth-running piece of equipment will provide you with increased productivity. These are costs hidden in equipment that are quite real in daily operating conditions. How much time and research and development does each brand put into the comfort and ease of use of their equipment? Happy, comfortable operators are simply more productive.
Useful Life: How many hours can you expect from each piece of equipment until the cost to operate becomes cost-prohibitive? This can vary widely depending upon brand and model. But having some qualitative and quantitative information on hand, if possible, will help you make a better decision about the total cost of operating each unit/model.
Why Is A Great Material Handling Provider Important?
There are many factors beyond price tag or lease rate that can help you make good decisions about the equipment you purchase. Having a partner that listens, evaluates, and fulfills your needs is essential in building a fleet that is most productive and less costly in the long run.