How to Find the Best Used Forklifts For Sale

Since brand new machines are a costly investment, many businesses will opt for purchasing a used forklift to move inventory, help manage their inventory and cut costs. Since used forklifts and trucks have relatively long lifespans, purchasing a used machine can help you stick to your budget without sacrificing quality, safety or the capacity or capability.

When investing in used forklifts or any piece of used equipment, it is important to do your due diligence to ensure that you are making the right choice. Here are some of the key factors to keep the price in mind, and how to find the best used forklifts for sale.

Inspect For Damage

The first thing you'll want to do is inspect the machine for signs of damage that go beyond typical wear-and-tear. Evidence of excessive damage can indicate that the machine was not properly used or maintained, which could result in costly repairs for you in the near future. Here are the most important elements to inspect, and how to know whether or not they've been damaged.

The Forks

Starting with the part of the machine that sees the most action, you'll want to take a look at the forks to check for any visible signs of damage. Keep an eye out for cracks and warped or bent pieces. If you see any cracks on the fork, be aware that this is a telltale sign that the fork will need to be replaced soon. If this is not an expense that you are willing to take on, you may want to pass on a machine that has cracked forks.

The Mast

On a well-maintained forklift, the operation of lifting the masts should operate smoothly. When you go to look at a used forklift, ask the seller to raise the forks so you can see if there is any friction or sluggishness when a first lift, second or third mast handle is extended. This could be a sign that the mast rollers or link chain needs to be repaired or replaced, and could indicate that the mast rollers were not maintained properly or lubricated frequently.

The Tires

Since the tires of trucks with a used forklift see a lot of action, it is important to check to see if any chunks have been taken out of any of the trucks with used lift trucks' tires. This is a telltale sign that the used lift trucks' pneumatic tires will need to be replaced.

In addition to chunking, you will also want to check your forklifts for proper treading along the pneumatic tires to see how much life they have left. If the tread on pneumatic tires is low or bare, you will need to either budget for tire replacements, or keep looking for a price on a forklift that is in better condition.

The Lift Chains

Check for gaps in the welding of the lift chains to find evidence that there used to be cracks in the metal that have been fixed. If the weld was not done correctly, it can impact the integrity and performance of the mast, leading to costly repairs or malfunctions in the future. Thoroughly inspect the lift chains for gaps, welding mistakes, and any missing or corroded links or pins.

Check The Battery Life

Since a diesel forklift battery does not log the number of hours, it is important to speak with the seller to find out how long the machine has been in service, and what kind of daily shift operations it has been through. With two shift or single-shift operations, an average diesel forklift battery should be designed to last for about five years. If you learn that the forklift was used for one shift or double shifts, you know to cut down the remaining life expectancy of the battery.

In addition to the battery life, it is also important to check for physical signs of damage such as corrosion for lead-acid batteries.

Inspect the Engine

After allowing the electric forklift to run for a few minutes, check the front lift cab for max. capacity, max lift height, and engine compartment for evidence of leaks. Check the hoses for cracks, the dipstick to check the oil levels, check the brakes and transmission fluid, and ensure that the belts are lubricated and running smoothly.

Check the Odometer

To ensure that you are purchasing a well-maintained machine, check the odometer and verify that the wear-and-tear on the forklift is on par with the number of hours logged. If you notice signs of significant wear or damage on parts of the machine, yet the odometer shows that it has not been used excessively, this could be evidence that the machine has not been used correctly.\ When shopping for a used forklift, the best option is to look for a machine that was used part-time and was well-maintained by its previous owner.

Sourcing Reliable Sellers

After understanding the critical factors to inspect when seeking a used forklift, the next step involves identifying trustworthy sellers or platforms. A reputable seller or dealer can significantly reduce the impact the quality and reliability of the machine sold.

1. Certified Dealers

Start your search by looking for certified forklift dealers or established vendors of trucks with a good track record of performance and safety. Certified dealers often offer to refurbish and service machines, offering warranties and comprehensive service histories, ensuring a more reliable purchase.

2. Online Platforms and Auctions

Numerous online platforms and auctions showcase used forklifts for sale. While these can be efficient and convenient, it's crucial to thoroughly scrutinize seller ratings, reviews, and the ability to physically inspect the forklift before purchase.

3. Maintenance Records

Preferably, manufacturers opt for forklifts with detailed maintenance records. This sort of documentation provides a clearer picture of the machine's service history, offering insights into its care and any recurring issues.

4. Professional Inspection

Consider engaging a professional forklift technician or inspector to thoroughly evaluate the machine. Their expertise can identify underlying issues that might not be apparent to a layperson, ensuring a more informed buying decision.

Negotiation and Legalities

Once you've found a potential forklift, the negotiation phase begins. Negotiating the price and ensuring all legal formalities are in place is crucial to secure a fair price and efficient deal and protect your investment.

1. Fair Pricing

Research the price and market value of the specific components, make and model of the forklift you're interested in. This knowledge will empower you during negotiations, allowing you to secure a fair price based on the forklift's condition, price, capacity, performance and market value.

2. Legal Documentation

Ensure all necessary legal documentation, including ownership transfer, warranty details (if any are required), and a bill of sale, are in order. Review the terms and conditions of the offer for the sale carefully before finalizing the offer to purchase.

Final Checks and Test Run

Before making the purchase final, perform one last thorough inspection and test run to ensure the forklift model meets your operational requirements.

1. Operational Test

Operate the forklift to test its functionality in operation in a simulated warehouse work scenario. As certain loads, its ability to lift, lower, and heavy loads, ensuring all systems and controls operate smoothly.

2. Final Inspection

Revisit critical areas for inspection - forks, mast operation, tires, chains, diesel engine, diesel, dual fuel and odometer verification. Confirm that any safety concerns identified in the initial inspection have been addressed or clarified by the seller.

Wrapping Up

Investing in a used forklift offers an opportunity to balance quality and cost-effectiveness, efficiently, but it requires meticulous scrutiny and a keen eye for detail. Carefully inspecting each component, inquiring about maintenance history, and opting for machines with well-documented service records can significantly impact the quality and longevity of your forklift investment.

Remember, while cost-saving is important, compromising on quality may lead to escalated maintenance costs in the long run. Prioritize thorough inspections and seek guidance from reputable sellers or technicians to ensure a wise investment in the best-used forklift suited to your operational needs.

Here's a table summarizing the key factors to consider when inspecting used forklifts for sale:

Each inspection point is crucial for assessing the condition and reliability of a used forklift before making a purchase.

Here's the list of forklifts in reverse order from 10 to 1 based on their specifications and availability:

10. 2015 Nissan UniCarriers CF35

1. Capacity: 3500 lbs

2. Mast: 193" Triple Stage with Side-Shift

3. Tires: Cushion Tires

4. Price: $17,900

9. 2015 UniCarriers CF50

1. Capacity: 5000 lbs

2. Mast: 187" Triple Mast with Side-Shift

3. Tires: Cushion Warehouse Tires

4. Price: $27,900

8. 2013 Nissan CF50LP

1. Capacity: 5000 lbs

2. Mast: 187" Triple Stage with Side-Shift

3. Tires: Cushion Tires

4. Price: $27,900

7. 2013 Nissan CF35LP

1. Capacity: 3500 lbs

2. Mast: 187" Triple Stage with Side-Shift

3. Tires: Cushion Tires

4. Price: $16,900

6. 2015 Nissan UniCarriers TX35N

1. Capacity: 3500 lbs

2. Mast: 258" Quad Mast with Side-Shift

3. Battery: Brand New 36-Volt Battery

4. Price: $23,900

5. 2014 Toyota 8FGU25

1. Capacity: 5000 lbs

2. Mast: 186" Triple Stage with Side-Shift

3. Tires: Solid Pneumatic Tires

4. Price: $35,900

4. 2017 Caterpillar GC35K

1. Capacity: 7000 lbs

2. Mast: 148" Two Stage Mast with Side-Shift

3. Tires: Cushion Tires

4. Price: $38,900

3. 2005 Clark ECG30

1. Capacity: 6000 lbs

2. Mast: 188" Triple Stage Mast with Side-Shift

3. Tires: Cushion Warehouse Tires

4. Price: $17,900

2. 2012 Clark C25D

1. Capacity: 5000 lbs

2. Mast: 188" Triple Mast with Side-Shift

3. Tires: Solid Pneumatic Tires

4. Price: $32,900

1. 2018 Clark C30D

1. Capacity: 6000 lbs

2. Mast: 188" Triple Mast with Side-Shift

3. Tires: Solid Pneumatic Tires

4. Price: $29,900

These forklifts represent a range of capacities, mast heights, and tire types, catering to different operational needs and budget considerations.

Here's a table summarizing the forklifts from 10 to 1 based on their specifications and prices:

This table provides a clear overview of each forklift's specifications and price, allowing for easy comparison.