Buying second-hand products is often a great choice. Depending on your needs, used products can offer better value, especially if you’re on a tight budget.
Although it has its perks, there are also downsides. Used products need to be thoroughly inspected to make sure they are fully functional, for example.
In many cases, however, this extra effort is worth it because of all the money you can save
Forklifts costs can vary dramatically from one model to the next. New ones can range from $20,000 to $50,000 or more.
However, if you’re on a tight budget, it’s not necessary to buy a brand new forklift. In these situations, buying used is the way to go.
Here are some things you need to check when shopping for a used forklift.
1. Age
The main reason a buyer would typically choose a used forklift instead of a new one is to save money.
If you fall into this category, then it’s best to get one that is approximately 5 years old or even older.
If it is newer than that, you may have to pay nearly as much as you would for a new one. An even more important measure of age than years is the total number of hours the machine has been used.
Note that this figure will not include any time the machine was idle during the day. The average forklift will last for around 10,000 hours.
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2. Product History
The history of the forklift is as important as its age and working hours. Finding out about any extreme environments the lift may have been used in can make it easier to determine its condition.
There might also be wear and tear across the body parts, and it’s important to know the extent of any damage so you can factor the necessary maintenance costs into your decision.
A forklift’s history can involve certain environments that you should watch out for:
- High humidity
- High salt contents in water
- Heavy use outdoors
3. Overall Condition
Examining an overall summary of the product is necessary before making your purchase.
The condition of all the body parts, including the engine and battery, is important to know and will help give you a sense of how long the lift is going to last you.
You can check out this site to learn more about why safety features and other engine matters need to be thoroughly checked.
While this does require some effort, it can help you avoid making an unwise purchase, which will save you time and money in the long run.
4. The Fork
When you examine a forklift you’re advised to start from the front. The fork is an especially important part and requires careful attention.
Make sure to check the fork for any wear and tear and for any cracks, which can be especially troublesome and often mean the fork will have to be replaced in the near future.
5. The Lift Chain
The lift chain is what lifts the fork up. If it’s in bad shape, it’s going to affect the operation of the machine as a whole and could also be a safety hazard.
While examining the fork make sure to also look at the lift chain. Check to see if there’s a poor weld or a missing or damaged link.
6. The Mast
The mast is a vital part of the forklift. Before finalizing a deal, make sure to ask the seller to kindly raise the mast for inspection.
If you notice any hiccups while the fork is being raised, it can mean either the chain isn’t functioning properly or the mast rollers are not in good shape.
Either they’re damaged or haven’t been lubricated in a while. If they’re worn, they will no longer retain a perfectly round shape and will appear slightly ovular.
7. Tires
What’s the point of having a forklift if it can’t even move? If the tires aren’t in working order then your machine isn’t going anywhere, so make sure to inspect them carefully.
If they are damaged in some way, then you’ll need to pay to have them replaced. There’s a safety line on the tires, and if they are worn out beyond that point, you will also need to have them replaced.
8. Engine and Battery Life
Last but not least, the engine and battery must be in good condition. Take the lift for a ride and after a few minutes pop up the hood to check the engine for leaks of any kind.
Check the oil, brakes, and transmission of the engine. You should also check the battery life and safety features.
There are a lot of things to consider when buying a used forklift. The engine, body, safety features, condition, life, and battery all play important roles in ensuring that a forklift operates safely.
Depending upon your budget and needs you may decide that buying a used forklift is the right option for you.
If so, make sure to confirm that all of these components are in working order so that your forklift will serve you well for a long time.
