Whether it’s trying to weather a rough patch with few customers or being run so ragged that you can’t seem to get one single thing done, it’s easy to push off buying the new forklift your company needs. However, you’ll have to get to it sooner or later.
That said, it’s easy to slap your cash down on the first forklift you see. This could lead you to get a substandard forklift and wasting your precious time and money. So what can you do?
Well, you’re in luck. We’re here with the ultimate buying guide for used forklifts on sale!
But enough preamble, right? Let’s dive right into things!
1. Research All Used Forklifts for Sale
Before you hand over a single dollar, make sure to do some background research on the dealer you want to purchase the forklift from. Ideally, you’ll want to go with a certified dealer. This is because they have the experience and knowledge to make sure you get the best product that fits your needs and advise you on maintenance needs.
Besides, many dealers will conduct inspections of the forklift to make sure it works before selling it to you and even clean and disinfect it to make it seem like brand-new! Try to browse the Internet for customer review sites and testimonies to get an honest opinion of the dealer before you sign on.
If you want to save a little cash, using online marketplaces is a viable option too. However, these deals will tend to lack a warranty of any kind and could ship you a product very different than the one you saw on the webpage.
2. Pick the Model That’s Right for You
Another factor you’ll want to consider is what kind of forklift would best serve your company’s needs. After all, getting a rough-terrain forklift for indoors warehouse work doesn’t make a lot of sense.
Checking the recall history of the forklift is also important, as you’ll avoid disastrous consequences (like employee injury) down the line.
In addition to where you’re working, you’ll also want to consider how often the forklift will get used and how much strain you’ll be putting on it. Finding out the usage hours of the used forklift before you buy it will help you know if it’s got the stamina to keep going. For example, electric forklifts have to worry about the usage hours on the machine as well as the age of the battery powering it.
Finding out how the forklift was used before it ended up with a dealer could also prove useful. So, if the indoor forklift you want to buy was from an outdoor construction site near a sewage plant, you’ll want to steer clear.
3. Inspect It Yourself
If you’ve got the mechanical knowhow (or know someone who does), giving the forklift a quick once-over can help you catch any red flags before it’s too late. For example, check the forks of the forklift to make sure the metal hasn’t been contorted from over-use. Feeling the canopy of the vehicle will help you see if there are any dents that could compromise the structure of the canopy (and endanger the driver).
No Job Too Big
And there you have it! Now that you have this guide to buying used forklifts for sale, you’re ready to get out there and get one for yourself today! And if you want to get started now (or want to get trained on using them), give us a call and let us know how we can help!