Ask the Expert

Just like buying a used car, buying a used forklift can be a cost-effective way to quickly upgrade and enhance your operations.  Here are some important tips on what to consider when making a used forklift purchase:

Buy exactly what you need.

Many forklift customers don’t know what they really want or need and, as a result, end up buying the wrong forklift for their application.  This will cost time and money in the long run.  A reputable forklift dealer will take pride in selling the right equipment for the job.  Your forklift sales representative should take the time to evaluate your requirements and find a used truck that will be a good fit for what you need.

Avoid buying a lemon. 

The main sources of used forklift trucks are usually other end users and dealers.  Dealers generally sell trade-ins, former rental fleet units or lease retirements.  Generally, a forklift from a rental fleet is a better buy since they’re usually highly maintained.  However, rental forklifts and lease-retired forklifts can sell for 10 – 15% more than other used forklifts.  In any case, it’s important to ask to see the maintenance records of the forklift.

In addition to reviewing the maintenance records, a thorough pre-purchase inspection is very important to ensure you’re making a quality long-term investment.  A trustworthy (and certified) mechanic should review the forklift at length and update you about any possible areas of concern. 

Try before you buy.

You wouldn’t buy a car without giving it a test drive, so it should be the same for your forklift!  The forklift test drive should also include an examination of the forklift’s appearance.  If the truck looks like it’s in rough shape (badly scraped or dented body panels, rust, etc.), it might be an indication that it was misused or abused in a previous life.  During the test drive, take the time to put the truck through a tight figure-right pattern, both forwards and backwards.  You should feel a quick response to the steering wheel and accurate tracking.   Kicking the tires may not be necessary, but taking a good look at them is important.   Any uneven wear on the tires may be an indication of axle misalignment.

 Here’s another list of some more helpful forklift buying tips.  If you follow these tips in addition to the ones above, you’ll be a savvy – and happy – used forklift buyer!