FORKLIFT SAFETY TIPS SHARED BY PROFESSOR BILL STANKIEWICZ , SAVANNAHSUPPLYCHAIN.COM

So you are looking at buying a used or new forklift truck. Keep these points in mind below.

One of the interesting things about the new tax law is that its 100 percent “bonus depreciation” not only covers NEW capital equipment purchases; it also applies to the purchase of USED equipment.  In the USA  the new Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 became law over three months ago. The Act introduced some significant changes in regards to equipment depreciation rules for industry – specifically, manufacturers can now expense 100 percent of the cost of qualifying capital equipment purchased through the year 2022.  

• How often are you going to be using the forklift? If you’re going to be using your forklift every day for multiple hours, you may want to consider purchasing new vs old. Purchasing used can save you a lot of money up front, but it can end up costing you in the end.

• How quickly do you need it? Purchasing used can save you a bit of delivery time, so if you’re in need of a quick delivery, used might be the way to go.

• Have you had a mechanic do an inspection? Just like purchasing a used car, house, motorcycle, you always want to have a mechanic do an inspection before you purchase.

• Can you purchase from a reputable dealer? If you’re purchasing from a reputable dealer, you’re probably getting a forklift that will last awhile and run well. However, if you can’t purchase from a reputable dealer, know that you’re taking a risk.

• Have you checked the safety elements? It’s not just the transmission and mast that should be inspected. Make sure you’ve inspected the brakes, lights, hydraulics, horn, back up alarms as well.

• What are the tires like? One great way to tell what the condition of the forklift is like, is to look at the tires. Since forklifts don’t have suspension or shocks, cut up or bad usually say the forklift has been used on rough pavement, which is a sign you’ll probably have issues down the road.

• What kind of warranty can you get? If you’re purchasing a forklift from reputable dealer, the dealer should be able to offer a warranty if possible unless buying as is, like at an auction. If he or she knows the forklift is in bad shape, he/she won’t.

• Have you test driven? If you’ve considered all eight things prior to this one and they check out okay, do a test drive to confirm. You may think you really like the forklift and then decide it isn’t for you. You and your employees may be using the forklift often, so you want it to be comfortable.

• Review new/lease costs as an option.

Thanks for reading & if you need help or advice contact Professor Bill Stankiewicz at info@savannahsupplychain.com or call 1.404.750.3200 at any time.  Join me at a beBee.com meeting in Savannah too on weekends.

As a FYI, beBee is the Best Affinity application ever developed!  Join us on beBee.com, meetings held in Savannah to get the word out on a regular basis!  

And if you need a job, come to Georgia everyone is hiring!  :~))