Things To Watch For In A Used Forklift

Forklifts are such efficient workhorses that it is easy to think they are indestructible. They are machines, though, and like all machines, they are subject to wear and tear. If you buy a new forklift, you can reliably purchase it based on its factory specifications. If you're buying a used forklift, however, there are other things you need to look for.

The problem with buying a used forklift is that there aren't many for sale. They are not the sort of thing owners trade in every few years. When they do sell them, it's usually because they need a larger capacity forklift, they have gone out of business or the forklift they are selling is seriously damaged.

It is not likely that someone who is selling a second-hand forklift is going to advertise the fact that it is on the verge of needing major and costly repairs. It is a case of, "Let the buyer beware." You need to thoroughly inspect a pre-owned forklift before you buy it. That is easier said than done, though.

First of all, you will probably have to look online to find your used forklift. Are you willing to drive or fly a great distance to inspect it yourself? Do you have the necessary expertise? They only real way to guarantee you are getting a good lift truck is to have a factory trained technician inspect it for you. How are you going to do that?

All you really have to do is buy your used forklift from an online company that puts every pre-owned forklift in its inventory through the same rigorous tests that you would ideally put them through. These companies have trained mechanics on their staff whose job it is to inspect and recondition all the previously owned lift trucks they sell.

These technicians will carefully inspect the masts, to be sure they do not have any cracks, deformations or other defects that could affect their performance or make them dangerous. They will similarly inspect all the non-moving metal parts. Then they will inspect all the moving parts, replacing whatever needs replacing. Finally, when the forklift has been proven to be in safe, serviceable condition, the company will back it up with a warranty.

As a buyer, all you need to do is check to be sure that the company you are dealing with meets your criteria for integrity and expertise. Buying your used forklift from them will be better than going over a forklift with a fine tooth comb yourself, because the work will have been carried out by experts.

In the end, what you need to look for in a used forklift is not the quality of the forklift itself, but the quality of the company that sells it to you. If the company passes your quality inspection, then the forklift surely will, too.

This article is brought to you by MATCHMAKING.