Buying a used fork lift truck can be an affordable way for companies, particularly smaller ones, to fulfill their materials handling requirements. However, used equipment comes with its own risks that could potentially cost customers dearly in the long-run. Here are ways to help you make the right choice.
- Make sure the truck is suitable for your application
Fork lift trucks vary enormously from model to model and according to how they’re kitted out.
Is your truck going to be used regularly? Will it be working indoors, outdoors, or both? What tasks will it be performing? How heavy will its loads be? Are there environmental restrictions on noise or fumes? How much space will the truck have to maneuver? Is the mast tall enough to reach the highest shelves? Is the mast low enough to fit beneath the lowest doors and ceilings?
- Conduct a visual inspection
One of the clear disadvantages of buying online is that you’re relying on the seller’s images and description.
A visual inspection should look for any rust, damage, or indications of an underlying fault, such as cracks, repair welding, or fluid leaks. You can find further information on what to look out for on a second-hand truck, here.
- Take it for a test drive
Buying a second-hand forklift is much more serious than you think. It is a potentially dangerous and complex piece of equipment and is governed by strict legislation. Give the truck a test run or, if unqualified yourself, have an operator do so. Ensure all the trucks functions work as they should.
- Inspect the warranty
A good warranty is crucial when buying second-hand forklifts for sale. It’s important that you know how long your warranty period lasts, what it covers and significantly what is excluded.
If a truck is sold while still within a manufacturer’s warranty, contact the company to ensure the warranty is transferred. While some can be transferred, others are exempted upon resale.
- Make sure the truck is not an untrustworthy import
There are a growing number of rogue imports on the second-hand fork lift market and it’s vital that you avoid them. Not only are they hard to source parts for and hard to sell, but also in the event of an accident, such a truck could even invalidate your insurance.
- If buying an electric truck, make sure there’s life left in the battery
Fork lift batteries are expensive. In fact, the battery can be worth more than 40% of the machine’s total value. As such, it’s really important that there’s plenty of mileage left in the cells of any truck you’re looking to buy.
- Check the rating plate
The rating plate is a crucial feature of any forklift truck. It tells you how much your truck can safely lift. As such, it plays an important role in the safety of your workplace.
When buying a used truck, you must ensure that the data on it is fitted, legible and correct. Additionally, when buying materials handling equipment, ensure the rated capacity is slightly higher than the maximum load you expect to carry.
- What Type of Forklift do you want to use?
This is another important point to consider when buying a used forklift. The type and style should match your requirements and should match with the materials that are to be lifted. You will find that the narrow aisle forklifts are much cheaper than the larger ones. These types do have a specific use though.
They are ideal for tight mezzanines and also tiers. The larger forklifts would find these areas difficult to move about in. The larger, more traditional forklifts are ideal for handling heavy goods and also for general floor usage. You have to make sure that the type of forklift you are buying can carry out the tasks that you want it to do. Only then will it be a really good investment.
