Posterous theme by Cory Watilo

How to Purchase a Secondhand Forklift

Buying a secondhand forklift may seem like a simple task nevertheless it can be more complex and costly than you believe. It's a long-term investment that can last your company up to Ten years.

 

 We will begin by breaking down each key stage from the process to make it simple, time efficient and without risk. In turn, it's going to assist you in buying a forklift that may last without facing those extra costs.

 

 1. In the event you even buy a secondhand forklift? 

 

 When you ought to consider buying a secondhand forklift:

 

The forklift will probably be used under 3-4 hours weekly

 

You have a small budget

 

You want to eliminate large depreciation expense faced within the first year or a couple of buying a new forklift (balance sheet)

 

 

 Once you shouldn't consider purchasing a secondhand forkllift:

 

If you have medium to durable usage (5-10+ Hours per week)

 

If you are looking for higher productivity from the machinery (secondhand forklifts are out of date and do not include the latest features/attachments)

 

Require high degrees of reliablity (More prone to breakdown/damage)

 

Should you require a long lasting warranty

 

 Remember that sometimes employing a forklift can be quite a more cost effective solution.

 

 2. Educate yourself on the Basics 

 

 When researching, a general tip would be to get your hands on just as much information that you can and to tackle it having an open mind. Once you have read a few articles you will have a better understanding about forklifts in general and of the current used forklift market.

 

 3. What exactly are your Requirements? 

 

Fuel Type: Be sure you understand what fuel type you would like and require. This normally is dependent upon if you are operating the forklift indoors or outdoors (electric vs gas forklifts)

 

Load Weight & Lift Height: How heavy will be the loads you will be lifting? And just how high do you need to lift?

 

Roof Height, Door Height, Door Width:This may determine your mast type and just what unit will safely operate in your work space.

 

Floor Surfaces:A floor surfaces in your workplace determine the type of tyres you need, and even the kind of forklift such as a pneumatic tyre forklift, cushion tyre forklift or rough terrain forklift (4WD)

 

Attachment requirements? Have you been lifting drums, wood, bales or pallets?

 

What exactly is your Budget? Starting point. If your budget is under $5,000 you may want to get an electric pallet jack. If it is under $500 you will have to purchase a manual pallet jack

 

 4. Pre-Inspection 

 

When choosing to purchase a used forklift, maintenance and service costs may be constantly lurking in the rear of your mind. To help remedy any fears or doubts there are a few things you can do:

 

 Always make certain that a record of the used forklift's service history is physically shown within the books. If records are lost or unavailable, be sure you have it inspected by a forklift specialist (this should help you avoid any unwanted mechanical failures soon after you purchase the forklift).

 

 Inquire about the warranty. Perhaps you have to pay a premium for a warranty but it may be worth it in the end.

 

 Be aware of what are the warranty covers (e.g. parts, labour, what are the hidden costs?).

 

 Find out how much time is left on the manufacturer's warranty. If it has expired it's a good idea to see simply how much it costs to give it.

 

 Enquire about a forklift service arrange for your newly purchased used forklift.

 If you are looking for a forklift around Five years old, it's better to visit major suppliers as these trucks are usually from their rental fleet, which suggests they would happen to be regularly maintained and serviced, thus they've been well looked after and will be a worthy investment.

 

 5. Steps in a Physical Inspection 

 

 When you make the inspection, it would be wise to ensure an auto mechanic is present (either out of your own company or perhaps an external company) to appear over and offer a clear evaluation from the used forklift. Learn around you can about the potential vehicle from the mechanic learn as it can help you with future purchasing decisions once the mechanic is probably not present.

 

 It could be worth paying a little extra for a better machine, or perhaps you may end up paying a fortune in repairs and parts, not forgetting the downtime or perhaps worse injuries/damage to people/property. Specific aspects you might like to take additional care with when inspecting a pre-owned forklift can include:

 

Tyres: Ensure they still have some tread on them otherwise it won't manoeuvre properly and may be extremely dangerous. If there is uneven wear this could signify a misalignment in the axle.

 

Mast: No external damage that's too severe (e.g. cuts, rewelding or major dints) and make certain it moves down and up according to what are the specifications say.

 

 Counter weight: Ensure the weight is suitable in terms of size.

 

Seat: Guarantee the seat's physical appearance is respectable and is also comfortable is bigger of the forklift operator but for the amount of hours spent on it every day.

 

 Gears/controls: Gears & controls are smooth and responsive.

 

 Brakes: Brakes work immediately and pressurized (perhaps on the slope or using a load).

 

 Paintwork: Try to find rust, peeling paint or bubbles under paint.

 

Engine No: Ensure this isn't scratched off.

 

Chassis No: Take notice of the chassis number, this lets you check the year the forklift was manufactured.

 

 Rating Plate: Check all information on the rating plate is true (model number, capacity etc.)

 

 Hour Meter: Use sound judgment when looking at the hours. Hour meters are easy to replace and therefore are known to break thus showing usually low hours for your used machine.

 

 6. Test Driving 

 

 You should note that you MUST have your forklift drivers licence before operating a forklift. When operating the forklift the first time, take notice of the forklift's manoeuvrability. Can it be up to your standard when it:

 

 

1

Turns

 

Accelerates

 

Reverses

 

Stops - promptly.

 

Lifts - on the correct speed and height you need.

 

Lowers - at the speed and minimum height you're looking for.

 

Tilts - to the correct angle you should support your specific load.

 

 7. Sealing the Deal 

 

 

Trade In/Disposal

 For those who have an existing machine you should look into your disposal options before choosing your new unit. Ideally discuss it with your forklift dealer to see if there is a trade in option, and whether it is in fact worth trading in or maybe it's worth some extra work to sell yourself. Additionally if the forklift cannot be traded in and is ready to be scrapped, it would not hurt to question if your forklift dealer can dump your old forklift for you when they drop off your new one.

 

 Servicing

 Although your forklift might currently depend on your standards, simply because you haven't had a lemon now doesn't invariably mean it will not turn into one. Without the proper servicing and care your forklift will break up and unexpected costs may arise, such as:

 

 

Repairs

 

Maintenance

 

Loss in revenue (MIA)

 

 It is advisable to have a forklift service plan in position to avoid these extra costs. When deciding on a service plan, do prior research to make sure you're expending money wisely. Look at a few different companies and promises to see what their servicing includes along with what it costs. When choosing a used forklift the casino dealer may offer a particular discount on a servicing plan.

 

 Warranty

 When dealing with warranties, it is usually essential to know very well what you're covered for. Remember to be aware of what you really are and aren't covered at under your warranty, plus it doesn't hurt to check out things that is probably not covered.