What to Check When Buying Used Forklifts in Western NY
Used forklifts help you expand your fleet at a lower cost than buying new, saving you money and freeing up your cash for other parts of your business. The catch is that you have to be careful about what you’re purchasing, so you know it will perform the job you need it to, and so you’re not overpaying for the machine. When you’re in the market for a used forklift, there are a lot of options available. To help you out, we’ve put together the different factors that you should consider before you make a purchase.
Look at the hour meter and usage
Before buying any used forklifts, it’s important to check the hour meter reading, because it indicates how much the machine has been used. Generally, a forklift with 10,000-12,000 hours is considered high usage, but well maintained units can still perform reliably beyond this range. However, be wary of suspiciously low hour readings that don’t match the forklift’s apparent wear and tear, as meters can be tampered with.
Check mast and chain condition
The mast and chains require particular attention during a used forklift inspection. Look for signs of wear on the chains, ensuring they’re not stretched or showing excessive rust. The mast should extend smoothly without catching or jerking, and there shouldn’t be excessive play in the carriage. Make sure all rollers are intact and turn freely, as replacing these components can be expensive.
Conduct a power system assessment
Engine or battery condition is important, depending on which is the power source of the machine. For internal combustion used forklifts, check for smoke on startup, unusual noises, and oil leaks. With electric forklifts, verify the battery’s age, charging cycles, and maintenance history. A battery replacement can cost several thousand dollars, so factor this into your budget if the current battery is near the end of its life.
Inspect the tires and steering system
Tires are another critical component on all forklifts—examine them for chunks missing, severe wear, or flat spots. While tire replacement isn’t as expensive as some other repairs, uneven wear might indicate alignment issues or frame damage. The steering should be responsive without excessive play, and the brakes should engage smoothly without squealing or requiring excessive pedal pressure.
Request documentation and history
A well documented maintenance history can justify a higher price, while a lack of documentation should be a red flag. It’s also worth checking whether the used forklift meets current safety standards and comes with essential safety features like overhead guards, backup alarms, and working lights.
Test the hydraulic system
Before purchasing used forklifts, it’s important to inspect its hydraulic system for leaks around cylinders, hoses, and fittings. Try out all hydraulic functions, including lift, tilt, and side shift, if it is equipped with these functions. The forks should raise and lower smoothly without jerking or drifting, and there should not be any puddles under the parked forklift that might indicate hydraulic fluid leaks.
Closely look at forks and attachments
Inspect the forks on the used forklift for cracks, bends, or excessive wear, particularly at the heel where they mount to the carriage. Verify that any attachments are compatible with the machine’s capacity, and that they are properly installed. Check that fork positioning and other attachment controls operate smoothly.
Try out the electrical system
Test all lights, gauges, and warning devices. Make sure the hour meter, battery indicator or fuel gauge, and temperature gauges are functioning correctly, as well as all safety features like the seat switch, backup alarm, and horn are operational. Look for any exposed wiring or corroded connections that could indicate electrical problems.
Examine the structural integrity of the used forklift
Inspect the entire frame on any used forklifts you want to purchase, checking for cracks, repairs, or collision damage. Pay special attention to the overhead guard, counterweight mounting, and areas where the mast attaches to the frame, and look for indications of rust or corrosion that might compromise structural integrity. Any signs of welding repairs should be carefully evaluated by a qualified technician./p>
Used forklifts in Western New York
We carry a wide variety of used Toyota forklifts, used forklifts from other brands, and a range of other material handling equipment, like aerial lifts, order pickers, pallet jacks, floor scrubbers, forklift attachments, and more. Tell our team about your needs, and we’ll help you find the best option!
JIT is a top Toyota forklift dealer near Buffalo. We offer their full lines of electric forklifts, IC pneumatic tire forklifts, and IC cushion tire forklifts, as well as order pickers, reach trucks, walkie pallet jacks, and more. If you have any questions about choosing the machines for your operation, contact our team today!