A used forklift provides a great option for those who cannot afford a new one. However, buyers should consider their intended use and examine the used forklift thoroughly.

Is a Used Forklift Right for You?

You may be the ideal buyer looking for a used forklift for sale. You have a limited budget, and do not intend to use the forklift for more than five hours per day or five days per week. Your operation is small and does not run multiple shifts nonstop. You need to make a sensible investment that does not cripple your profits or cash reserves.

What to Look for in a Forklift

Keep in mind that all used forklifts have a wear-and-tear history. However, finding a trade-in forklift, or one that has been rented or leased, gives you some desirable options. These forklifts have likely survived through regular maintenance regimens or have been traded in for newer models with different capabilities.

After you have reviewed any available maintenance records, it is still important to inspect the truck thoroughly. Reputable used forklift sellers will not have a problem with you bringing along a knowledgeable mechanic to help you spot any problem areas or check the function of parts the average person does not know to check. It is important to observe the forklift truck both at its sitting weight and with a full load. Look for signs that the truck might have had parts welded and make sure any extensions are not too loose to handle the recommended weight. To check for internal flaws like transmission leaks, make sure the forklift is warmed up. You are checking for the function of the forklift, not necessarily the beauty of its body.

The Test Drive

You are checking for two major things when you perform a test drive: the integrity of the brakes and good tracking. The forklift should be able to stop smoothly without sliding. The best way to test the response of the gears and tracking is to drive forward and in reverse, making a figure-eight pattern. Any significant lag in response time may indicate something is broken, misaligned or damaged, and may prevent you from practicing forklift safety. If you still want to make the investment after discovering something is out of place, it is time to evaluate the cost of repairs and, in some cases, negotiate the price.