Purchasing a used forklift: What is important?
Forklifts are indispensable in many companies. However, buying a new forklift can be expensive and it is worth looking at used forklifts.
The wide range of different stackers of various performance classes and from many manufacturers requires a well-planned approach, which is why potential buyers should take as much care here as if buying a used car.
Is the forklift in a good condition? Does the forklift dealer offer a warranty and for how long? This article addresses the most important aspects that need to be looked at when buying a used forklift.
A good choice: reputed manufacturers
Forklifts of reputed brands stand for quality and reliability. Experience shows that stackers from reputed forklift manufacturers usually work more reliably than equipment from lesser well-known brands. Also, reputed companies offer a nationwide network of dealers and service points. Spatial proximity is a clear benefit, if repairs or maintenance work is required. Even several years after the purchase of a stacker, original spare parts from reputed manufacturers are still available.
The location of a forklift
Where is the forklift that we are looking at? Thanks to the World Wide Web, the probability is very high that the used stacker is somewhere quite far away. Additional costs are incurred traveling to look at the vehicle and transporting it back. Therefore, think about whether the purchase costs and transport costs are worthwhile. If a transport company is used to move a forklift from London to Edinburgh, this can be very expensive. Usually, stacker dealers also offer to transport the vehicle. Otherwise, potential buyers should obtain several offers from transport companies and compare them. It is always worth purchasing a stacker from somewhere close by to keep the transport costs down.
First impressions count
A stacker that looks shoddy will probably be shoddy inside, too. Dents in the bodywork indicate that the vehicle has been handled roughly. Damaged tires are a good indicator that the owner did not take good care of the vehicle. Remember: The first impression counts, but the last impression remains. After taking an initial look at the outside of the forklift, the technical condition of the vehicle must be inspected. If a forklift is brought from a dealer, it is safe to assume that faults and damage have been repaired carefully and the forklift is roadworthy.
Questions about replaced vehicle parts
Have parts of the forklift been replaced? The vendor can answer this question quickly and comprehensively, if a vehicle log has been kept correctly. A look at the documents shows whether and when parts need to be replaced. It is also worth looking at the residual load-bearing capability chart and type plate. Are these attached correctly? Does the data actually refer to the existing mast? It is actually possible to replace the mast. Is there a CE certificate? The answer should be ‘yes’ because the certificate confirms that the stacker can be operated within the EU Single Market.
Check the most important documents: Operating instructions, service reports, purchase receipts
A full set of operating instructions should be available for every used device. The buyer receives these documents on purchase. Also, all warning information and stickers must be available in the right language. It is also worth taking a look at the latest accident prevention regulations test report. This report states whether the forklift meets all requirements of the accident prevention regulations. Also, service reports provide important verification of completed inspections. The reports should show whether the maintenance intervals have been observed and the operating hours were documented correctly. With respect to warranty claims, it is important to take possession of the original purchase receipts when purchasing a forklift.
Evaluate the forklifts carefully
Dealers and serious vendors will have no objections to you carrying out a detailed inspection before the purchase. If the potential buyer does not have any specialist knowledge, an expert should be present when inspecting the vehicle. Professionals know what is is important and what typical weaknesses are. The following 10 areas are very important for the check.
1. Motor
Don’t just look at it, take it for a test drive! All functions must be tested in use before purchasing the vehicle. In the case of stackers with a combustion motor, the check is started with a cold start: Is more smoke created than usual? Are there any leaks on the motor? To this end, the vehicle should stand with a running motor for at least 15 minutes on a clean surface. Now, all hydraulic functions can be tested.
2. Mast
Check the mast very carefully! The potential buyer should check whether there is too much air between the fork carrier and the mast profiles. Is the forklift stable under load? Do not purchase the vehicle, if the mast and forks bend under load.
3. Forks
Now the potential buyer should look a little more closely at the forks including the holders. Are there any visible fractures? The stoppers must work flawlessly. Also, when selecting a stacker, make sure that the forks have at least 90 percent of the width of the back of the forks.
4. Steering
If the steering is sluggish, expensive repairs can often be expected. It is therefore advisable to check that the steering moves smoothly. Does the used stacker keep on track on flat ground, even without moving the steering wheel?
5. Brakes
Brakes must always be intact and applied equally on both sides. This not only applies for the foot brake, but also the parking brake.
6. Lighting
Do all headlamps and lights work? Are connections and cables in a flawless condition? If the lamp casing does not have any moisture inside, the light check is positive.
7. Battery
Is the used vehicle an electrical stacker? If yes, the battery needs to be inspected closely. White and green crystals on the terminals are an indication of sulphation. If the cells bulge outwards, this is an indication that they are old. Both aspects are not good signs, because they often leads to battery failure. Potential buyers can ask whether the vendor will provide a warranty for the battery. The test record will show whether or not the battery has been overhauled.
8. Tires
An inspection of the tires is also part of the forklift check. Is the tire wear display clearly visible? Any visible bursts, incisions or other damage must be assessed negatively.
9. Bodywork
The bodywork also includes the frame, the hood and the support elements. First, the bodywork should be in a good condition. Any deformations or bulges will lower the value of the stacker. Scratches and rust corrosion are not good indicators for the vehicle.
10. Driver’s cabin
Does the forklift have a cabin? The following functions should be available and functional: Wipers, doors, cabin lighting, mirrors, windscreen wiping system, skylight, heated rear windscreen. Potential buyers should check the cabin frame very carefully. Deformations and damage indicate that the vehicle has been involved in an accident.
The test run at the workplace
If the stacker is taken on a test run, all switches, levers and functions should be tested. Unusual noises are usually a warning signs. Brakes and gas pedals need to respond without delay. Does the vehicle drive comfortably with and without loads? The vehicle must be test driven on the vendor’s grounds. It is even better, if the test is conducted where the vehicle is to be used. Not all, but most dealers will allow potential buyers to drive the stacker on their own grounds. This is the best way to check the functions of the forklift. Also, this gives potential buyers the opportunity to establish whether the vehicle is suitable for the planned task.
Summary: Clever behavior when purchasing a used forklift
As soon as the used stacker passes the above criteria, you can purchase it with a clear conscience. If the faults are relatively minor, weigh up the pros and cons and negotiate. If the first impression is not good or the dealer does not appear serious, go and find another used stacker.