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Guide to Follow When Purchasing a Used Forklift

16 October 2017

Veronica Leon

Anyone looking to buy a forklift to meet their heavy lifting requirements will have to make a choice between getting a completely new machine and getting something that's already used. If you're looking to save some cash, buying a used forklift is the way to go. But buying used requires a bit of extra diligence and responsibility, generally speaking. 

Here are a few tips you should follow to protect yourself when you are looking at used forklifts for sale:

Establish what you need.

Not all forklifts are designed and built the same way, so it's important that you first determine your needs before you can make a buy. Many things including forklift size, capabilities, model and attachments can determine the perfect choice of equipment for your heavy lifting requirements. Therefore, you should carry out some research to establish what type of forklift suits your situation. Alternatively, you can talk to an experienced forklift operator about your situation. They can help you choose what's right for you.

Inspect before you can buy.

Used forklifts are usually sold as-is. This means that the equipment are sold "with all faults" that it may have in its present condition. For this reason, it is important that you inspect any used forklift before you purchasing it. If you lack the knowledge and expertise required to inspect the pre-purchase inspection, you can always ask a qualified mechanic to perform the inspection on your behalf. They will inspect the equipment for any excess wear and tear and even test it to determine if it is still working well. 

Ask for documentation on maintenance history.

The surest way to find out if a used forklift has been properly maintained is by looking at records of its maintenance history. Were fluids changed as regularly as required? How many times did the equipment breakdown and require emergency repairs? Have any major performance issues occurred while the equipment was being operated? Look for evidence that the equipment has been used and maintained well.

Ask for proof of payment.

Once you have found a used forklift that is the right one for you and you're ready to make a purchase, make sure you can leave a payment trail. Demand a receipt or any other documentation proving you are the owner of the machinery. Avoid paying in cash, especially when you are dealing with a private seller — you can pay using a banker's cheque to help prove that you paid for the equipment.

It is always a good idea to seek an expert's help when you are buying a used forklift. This will go a long way towards ensuring you get good value for every penny you spend on the equipment.

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