9 things to consider before buying a used forklift · differences to consider when deciding between...

9 THINGS TO CONSIDER

Before Buying a Used Forklift

Research Area Dealers

Define Your Forklift Needs

Factor in Work-Site Conditions

Think About Power and Fuel

Anticipate Future Needs

Ask About Pre-Sale Inspection Protocols

Visually Inspect the Unit for “Red Flags”

Seek a Dealer Who Provides Top-Quality Service

Talk Warranties and Service Plans

The decision to buy a used forklift is in some ways similar to the more familiar process of buying a used car. The bottom line is getting the best possible value for your investment.

THAT’S WHY WE PUT TOGETHER THIS HANDY CHECKLIST:

Research Area Dealers

Top forklift dealers conduct comprehensive pre-sale safety and performance inspections. Some even do site visits to fully understand the customer’s needs. Key factors to consider when researching dealers include:

Diversity of products and services offered

Fast availability of quality parts

Planned maintenance program options

Commitment to superlative customer service

Top-notch team of service technicians

STEP 1

Define Your Forklift Needs

Conducting a thorough assessment of what you need the machine to do will help you select the right equipment. Some of the key questions prospective dealers will likely be asking you include:

How heavy are your typical (and

heaviest) loads?

How high are your highest shelves?

How many hours do you anticipate the

machine will be in use each week?

Does the work require specialized

equipment?

STEP 2

Factor in Work-Site Conditions

The environment within which your forklift will be operated also plays a key role in determining what type of equipment to acquire. For example:

Do narrow aisles create a need for

specialized machinery?

Do you need a vehicle with an especially

tight turning radius?

Will the equipment regularly be required

to navigate ramps and gradients?

Is there a need to minimize noise or

emissions?

Does most of the heavy lifting take place

indoors or outdoors?

STEP 3

Think About Power

The indoors or outdoors question is especially relevant when choosing a power source. Here are some of the major differences to consider when deciding between electric, diesel and propane:

Electric or battery-powered forklifts are the quietest, most environmentally

friendly and easiest to maintain. They produce zero emissions, making them the

preferred option for indoor use. However, you will need a battery charger.

Rugged diesel lift trucks deliver the most torque for strenuous jobs but are

mostly restricted to outdoor duty due to their emissions.

Propane fork trucks are versatile indoor/outdoor performers whose features

include easy refueling and more torque than their electric counterparts.

STEP 4

Anticipate Future Needs

You’re probably smart to be looking used right now, but if your forecast calls for more intensive workloads “down the road” you may want to consider acquiring a new machine. Forklift experts suggest that buying used may work best if the lift truck:

STEP 5

Is utilized no more than five days a week

Is run no more than five hours a day

Is not part of a fast-paced, non-stop

warehouse environment

Ask About Pre-Sale Inspection Protocols

Some dealers are more conscientious than others about how thoroughly they inspect their used equip-ment. Also, larger dealers may have a greater range of options that factor in running condition, hours of usage and warranty. Buyers are advised to:

Question prospective dealers

about their inspection process

Request records detailing the

machine’s maintenance history

and service hours

Balance the lower cost of an as-

is forklift versus a more depend-

able machine that has under-

gone a 200-point inspection

STEP 6

Visually Inspect the Unit for “Red Flags”

You’ll feel more secure buying a vehicle that you know has undergone a robust inspection, but it is still important to be on the lookout for such red flags as:

Fluid leakage

Cracks or bends in the fork assembly

Smoking or slow-starting engine

Problems with steering or braking systems

Binding or slippage during mast operation

Unusual sounds

Signs of damage or excessive wear

STEP 7

Seek a Dealer Who Provides Top-Quality Service

Unless your operation is large enough to employ a forklift mechanic, you’ll want to connect with a dealer who has a strong service department. Key questions for dealers include:

STEP 8

How many certified forklift technicians do

you have?

Do you provide on-site service?

What are your service hours?

Do you have guaranteed response times?

How big is your inventory for replace-

ment parts?

Do you have multiple locations to provide

faster service?

How long have you been in business?

Talk Warranties and Service Plans

Most forklift dealers offer various levels of warranty protection, and these options differ from dealer to dealer. Before closing the deal, it is important to:

Work with the dealer to carefully

consider their warranty options

Consider opting for a preventive

maintenance package

Read the contract to make sure

everything agreed upon is included

and nothing unusual has been added

STEP 9

9 things to consider before buying a used forklift · differences to consider when deciding between...

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