Used Forklifts Uncovered – Know the Facts

Buying a used forklift can be overwhelming to the average business owner or manager.

Although there are many items to investigate and watch out for, here is a list of the top (5) that everyone should be aware of. If you do your homework there are some great deals to be had on used trucks.

1/ Inaccurate Lift Truck Hour Meter Readings

Virtually all forklifts are equipped with an hour meter to help the end user and servicing dealer keep track of daily usage. Some have (5) digits while others seem to have (4). Be sure that the dealer is upfront and honest about the type of meter fitted and the reading.

Some forklifts have hour meters that record different elements of lift truck usage, i.e. drive hours, hydraulic pump hours, key hours etc and so it is important that you understand what the reading means.

If an hour meter has been unhooked or it has stopped working for some reason, the forklift could have far more hours than the hour meter might suggest. If the hour meter is replaced, the new meter will start off with a reading of 0000 and if there are no records to record the date and time of the meter replacement, the history will be lost forever and now it’s anyone’s guess how many hours are real. It’s very important to try and figure out the correct hours and what these hours represent before you commit to any used forklift purchase.

2/ Incorrect Year-of-Manufacture

The year of manufacture should be verified before committing to a used forklift purchase. With the model number and serial numbers in hand, have the manufacturer or dealer confirm the year of manufacture.

3/ Incomplete Forklift Capacity Data Plate

Over the life of any forklift, attachments and accessories can be added or removed with or without manufacturer approval. If this happen, the capacity data plate will no longer be accurate and therefore the operator will be at risk for an accident because he or she will be under a false impression of what the forklift can safely handle. It’s very important to make sure this data plate is accurate for obvious safety and liability reasons. There are many inaccurate data plates on forklifts so be aware.

4/ Unauthorized Forklift Chassis Modifications

Forklifts that show signs of welding, heating or drilling of the chassis that has not been authorized by the original manufacturer, should be avoided. These activities may weaken the structural components of the forklift and cause them to fail prematurely.

In addition, sometimes an additional counterweight may have been added, without manufacturer approval, which can contribute to an unstable forklift and unnecessary wear and tear on the forklift chassis.

5/ Harsh Lift Truck Applications

Forklifts that have previously worked in fish processing, foundry or a salt application have endured a tough life and the hour meter reading will not reflect the wear and tear on the chassis the same way that it would if the used forklift came from a lighter application.

Try to determine the history of the used forklift before you commit to a purchase.

Here at W Hall – The Forklift Centre we are committed to our customers and the products we sell, buy with confidence from W Hall

Why not take a look around our used truck showroom and then contact a member of our team to check out the detailed history of the forklift you are interested in.

"Selling solutions not just forklifts."