Almost all warehousing operations can be made infinitely simpler with the right forklift. Learn how to purchase a used one that will suit your needs.

Shopping for a Good Used Forklift

Forklifts are valuable articles of heavy machinery that can make warehousing operations run more smoothly. For beginning business owners, however, they can get a bit pricey. Outside of financing options, there are many retailers that stock used forklifts for sale, available at a much lower price with all of the functionality still intact. Once the customer has found a good forklift company, it is important to perform a detailed inspection to make sure that the forklift is right for their needs.

Ask for Maintenance Records

As soon as you spot a forklift that you are interested in using, take the time to evaluate its condition. This can be done with a quick visual inspection and a collaboration with the retailers. Ask the seller for the forklift’s maintenance records and review them to make sure that everything is in order. Whether or not the maintenance records are available, potential customers should always carry out a detailed inspection afterwards.

Forklift Inspection

A mechanical inspection should be done before the purchase is finalized. During this stage, it can be valuable to have a mechanic come with you to provide insight into the equipment’s parts. All inspections begin with the mast operation. It should be able to work with and without a full load. Smooth operation is vital and it is important to tilt the mass in both directions fully to see if there are any balance issues. Transmission leaks, engine trouble and radiator inefficiencies should all be accounted for in order to determine whether the purchase will be a good one.

Test Driving

Once the mechanical inspection is complete, all that is left is for the customer to do some more hands-on forklift testing. While the inspection should be carried out by a trained professional, the test drive can be performed by anybody with relevant experience. Get behind the wheel and drive the forklift in a figure-eight pattern. Use both the reverse and the forward gears to check the way it handles. Make sure that the tires work as necessary and that the controls are responsive to the way you drive.