When buying a used forklift, comparing machines before committing to a purchase is essential. You can do due diligence in researching online, where you’ll find countless dealer sites that provide cost and model comparisons.

An example is the “Nation’s Largest Used Forklifts for Sale Website,” where you can access a vast array of equipment for every budget. The priority is to take time and careful consideration, understanding that the lowest price point is not always the ideal machine.

Many variables play a role in what constitutes a good deal besides cost, including quality and how the machine was maintained. When working with a reputed forklift dealer, these are the questions and concerns to address as you progress along in the buying process.

We’ll examine a few tips on making a wise investment when buying a used forklift in order to gain the most value from the investment. Let’s learn.

 Buying A Used Forklift

Before setting out to buy a forklift for your business, you need to determine whether a used or refurbished model will better suit your needs and purposes. A high-quality, well-maintained used forklift will readily accommodate your daily operations and come in under budget. 

When comparing models on sites like the “Nations Largest Used Forklifts” website, you can find a vast range of models from older to newer machines with optimum performance and safety. A reputable dealer will work alongside you as you compare equipment to ensure your goals for the machine will be met. 

Here are a few tips to keep in mind when shopping to help you avoid investing in a model that won’t give you returns on that investment.

Visual inspection

If it’s possible to compare machines in person, the idea is to visibly inspect for damages such as surface rust and ensure that the forks are intact with even heights and no cracks or bent blades. 

The lift chains should be free of gaps between the links. If there are gaps, you want to measure these with a chain gauge to ensure these are not large. The tires, mast, and safety systems should be checked on pre-owned equipment. 

The mast should offer a smooth operation and the capability to move, whether loaded or not. Verify that the horn, seatbelt, and lights are functional.

While many of these problems can be readily fixed, the fact that these issues exist can speak to improper handling. When a forklift is mishandled or isn’t maintained routinely, it loses reliability.

In that same vein, extensive or expensive repairs considerably reduce your investment returns and detract from the budget-friendly cost.

Application history

The previous owner will provide details on how and where the machine was used, which is critical information. Those used in a coastal area near saltwater would be susceptible to corrosion.  

In frigid temperatures, the engine seals and hydraulic systems can become brittle. Humid atmospheres increase the likelihood of moisture getting into the electrical system.

Forklifts that have heavy outdoor use for their work life could experience premature wear and tear. 

Age/hours

The best time of a forklift’s life boasts to be roughly five years; however, all circumstances are unique. A genuine calculation is based on the frequency of use throughout that period. 

A forklift that was rarely used at five years old could be the wiser investment compared to a three-year-old stored outdoors in extreme temperatures with full-time, hard usage.

The usage hours are the element to prioritize, a measure of the machine’s operation. The average lifespan for these machines ranges roughly between 10 and 15000 hours. With heavy usage over a year, the usage hours equate to approximately 2000.

Looking at a three-year-old used forklift enduring a heavy workload, you would see around 6000 hours. Mildly used equipment will have fewer hours as it ages.

Needs/applications

You want to avoid buying solely based on a low price point. This could put you in a position where the machine is ultimately not a good fit. While cost is an essential element, particularly when you have a company budget to accommodate, finding the right forklift to perform the job is also vital.

You don’t want to compromise quality or your needs for a better deal; considering the volume of equipment available, it’s unnecessary. It’s essential to take time and carefully consider each model; you will find the ideal forklift for you with patience. 

The priority is that the model you consider be able to perform the necessary tasks for your business, or you could find yourself in the market again. 

Trustworthy seller

It can be tricky to detect a scam, but it’s essential to do sufficient research to find a credible, trustworthy, and reputable seller. The market is consumed with used heavy equipment for sale, including forklifts, and those who make the experience simple and straightforward are the most credible. 

They will disclose the pros and cons of each machine and provide a detailed history showing a routine maintenance schedule to assure quality, safety, and performance. With a visual inspection and this level of transparency, you can feel confident that the forklift you’re considering is right for you.

Final Thought

When in the market for a forklift, prioritizing due diligence in research to not only invest in the perfect equipment for your company’s needs and purposes but also to find a seller you can trust is essential. The “Nation’s Largest Used Forklifts for Sale” website allows this research.

Here, you can find the Used Forklift Inventory for Sun Equipment, an industry leader for used forklifts.  Companies like these hold the customer’s best interest as their priority. 

Used forklift dealers will help sort through the vast inventory to find models that meet your criteria for a simple and straightforward process, with no hassle and no stress.  They want to ensure the goals you set when planning the purchase are met in performance, quality, safety, and satisfying your budget.