Did you know businesses can save up to 60 percent by opting for 2nd hand forklift trucks instead of new ones, making a substantial difference for tight operational budgets nowadays? This statistic not only underscores the growing appeal of pre-owned material handling solutions but also highlights why savvy businesses are leaning into value without compromising quality. This guide dives into everything essential about buying 2nd hand forklift trucks, equipping you with insights on evaluating condition, choosing the right type, and avoiding common pitfalls.
Why 2nd Hand Forklift Trucks Make Sense Today
- Massive cost savings—roughly 40 to 60 percent less than new equipment—without significant performance compromise
- Faster availability—no long wait times typical of new units, helping meet urgent operational needs.
- Simplified maintenance and familiarity—used models likely incorporate proven designs your team already knows
Defining Your Operational Needs First
Before evaluating any available forklift:
- Environment: Indoor settings often call for electric models, while outdoor or rugged terrain may require diesel or propane units.
- Capacity & Lift Height: Always plan for at least 20 percent more load capacity than your heaviest requirement to ensure safety and longevity.
- Aisles & Door Dimensions: Ensure any chosen forklift fits your spaces comfortably.
- Tires: Cushion tires work well indoors; pneumatic are better outdoors or rough surfaces.
What to Inspect: The Critical Checklist
Avoid buyer's remorse with this inspection-focused checklist:
- Forks & Mast
- Look for cracks, bends, or wear—especially in fork heels—indicating wear or misuse.
- Check lift chains, mast rollers, and hoses for smooth movement, any gaps, corrosion, or leaks.
- Engine & Power System
- For internal combustion units, inspect oil condition, coolant levels, exhaust smoke, and fluid leaks.
- For electric forklifts, assess battery age (expect replacement after about 5 years), performance, terminal cleanliness, and charging system functionality.
- Tires & Structural Integrity
- Examine for chunking, cracks, low tread, or wear lines that indicate tire replacement needs.
- Walk around the frame and canopy, inspecting for dents, cracks, welds, or signs of structural issues.
- Safety Features
- Confirm that all safety systems like horn, lights, seat belt, brakes, alarms, and overhead guard meet standards.
- Operating Hours vs. Wear
- Don't rely solely on hour meter; inspect wear and tear on seats, controls, and tires to validate true usage.
- High-hour machines—above 10,000 hours—can still be a good buy if well-maintained; paperwork is key.
- Service History & Maintenance Records
- Prioritize units with consistent service documentation, ideally at intervals like every 250 hours.
- Transport & Setup
- Calculate shipping costs; heavy equipment often requires professional transport and insurance. Arrange immediate service after delivery.
Smart Decision-Making Tips
- Get Multiple Price References
- Compare across dealers, private sellers, and auction markets to avoid overpaying.
- Beware Private Sellers & Auctions
- Risks include poor documentation, no warranty, and less transparency. Certified dealers offer a safer route, with inspection, support, and warranty.
- Depreciation Strategy
- A forklift's value typically depreciates around 15 percent per year. Use serial numbers and compare new prices to estimate appropriate used valuations.
- Immediate Maintenance Budget
- Allocate around 10–15 percent of the purchase price for post-purchase servicing—fluid changes, filters, adjustments.
- Test Before You Invest
- Operate all functions—lift, tilt, side shift, steering, braking—and listen for unusual noises or performance issues.
Summary – A Smart Buyer's 2nd Hand Forklift Trucks Blueprint
Follow this structured approach and you can turn the purchase of 2nd hand forklift trucks into a strategic advantage:
- Define needs: environment, capacity, fuel type, size.
- Inspect: forks, mast, power system, tires, safety features.
- Validate: hours, records, wear patterns.
- Compare pricing and value—watch depreciation.
- Choose reliable sellers—dealer advantage vs riskier private options.
- Plan for transport, servicing, and potential immediate maintenance.
- Test all operational aspects before finalizing.
With careful planning, detailed inspection, and informed budgeting, buying 2nd hand forklift trucks becomes a savvy investment. Not only do you save significant capital, but you also often gain a dependable workhorse that if chosen wisely, serves efficiently for years.