Buying a “new to you” forklift doesn’t mean you need the latest model or a never-used forklift for your business. Quality used forklifts can help business owners save money, but it’s crucial to find the right machine for your company and the way you’ll use it.
If you’ve never purchased a forklift in Orlando, FL, what should you look for? Forklifts come in a variety of sizes and models for specific tasks and loads. Before you purchase a “new” machine, follow this guide to learn nine important things to look for when buying a used forklift.
1. What Will It Haul?
The wrong forklift might not do the job you need it to do. While you can save money on a used forklift, buying the wrong lift is a waste of your company’s dollars.
Before you start shopping, determine the purpose of your forklift. Ask yourself questions like:
- What will it haul?
- How far does it need to carry a load?
- Will it work indoors or on an outdoor job site?
- How much weight will it carry?
- Will you use it frequently?
Choose a forklift that meets the demand of the job. If your machine isn’t up to the task or can’t handle the weight it needs to carry, it can breakdown and require repair.
Consider Attachments
The right used forklift can adapt to your specific needs with different attachments. When purchasing a forklift, ask if it also has available attachments, or find a local dealer that can connect you to the right equipment for your lift. Be sure to inspect used attachments and choose the best options for operating your lift effectively.
2. Is It Damaged?
Most used forklifts will have some dents and dings that don’t affect its performance or remaining useful lifespan. However, some small issues can be hard to spot but can be a sign of a faulty machine.
When checking out a lift, make sure any damage you see is cosmetic only. Inspect for problems you can see and avoid a lift with significant body damage. Run the lift and make sure it can perform the tasks you need.
Damaged forks or tires can be severe problems. Avoid a used forklift with these issues.
3. How Old Is It?
A cheap forklift that’s more than ten years old might be nearing the end of its usefulness without requiring expensive refurbishments. However, a “used” lift that’s less than five years old might not come with significant savings over the price of a new machine.
Find the best balance that fits your needs and budget. Choose a used forklift that is affordable without being too old for consideration.
4. How “Used” Is It?
Even a newer forklift model can experience overuse. When you find a used forklift that’s not too old and not too new, check into the usage hours. Overuse without proper routine maintenance can shorten the lift of a forklift.
Before you invest in a used model that seems to “new” to be true, get the complete picture of how often it was used and the type of loads it carried. Check the clock readings to make sure the advertised usage hours match the display on the machine.
5. Does It Leak?
After operating the forklift for a test run, check under the hood. A well-operating machine can indicate a good purchase, but don’t miss any red flags that can show up after the engine has a chance to warm up.
Look for leaks, worn belts, loose bolts or brackets, and cracked or broken parts. Some of these fixes can be inexpensive, while other engine issues aren’t worth the cost you’ll pay to buy a machine and repair it for service.
6. Does It Have Maintenance Records?
Tampa, FL forklifts and operators must follow a strict maintenance schedule to stay in good condition and operate legally. Even if a machine seems to run well, ask for the maintenance records to confirm routine care.
If the former owner hasn’t followed through with scheduled maintenance, a used forklift could be ready for a breakdown and costly repairs.
7. What’s the Battery Life?
Buying a used machine can be exciting until you get it to your shop and discover the dead battery won’t let it operate. With proper care, the battery can last about five years.
Look for signs of corrosion or a weak battery when attempting to start the machine. Ask the owner when they last replaced the battery. If the forklift was in use for more than one shift per day, the battery’s lifespan shortens.
8. Do Safety Features Work?
Every forklift comes with safety features to prevent accidents and injuries. Test or examine each safety feature on a forklift before finalizing a purchase and putting a used forklift into service.
These features include the:
- Seatbelt
- Horn
- Lights
- Brakes
- Seat adjustments
- Overhead guards
Make sure all levers work correctly, too. Compare every safety feature that applies to the OSHA guidelines for safe forklift operation for your Jacksonville, Fl industry.
9. Does It Have Inspections?
Along with routine maintenance, forklifts must follow a strict inspection schedule to stay in operation. Ask about the inspection history of a machine before finalizing a purchase.
Buying a used forklift that hasn’t experienced continual maintenance and inspections could leave you with a machine that doesn’t pass safe operation regulations. Avoid purchasing a problem machine and look for a forklift from an owner with a commitment to excellent care for heavy machinery.
Thoroughly Evaluate a Used Forklift Before Buying
Before enjoying the cost savings of a used forklift, give it a thorough evaluation. Keep an eye out for inaccurate descriptions or a faulty machine that looks nice but isn’t safe to operate.
When choosing a used lift, consider certified equipment. Our team offers a wide selection of used forklifts and equipment that passes our rigorous inspection and certification process before making it available to the public.
Let Read’s Forklift help you find the right machine for your need in North-Central Florida! Contact us to learn more about our certified used equipment or request a quote!
