What are the considerations when buying a used forklift?
4 Answers
Considerations when buying a used forklift include: the previous usage scenarios of the forklift; the brand of the forklift; the condition of the forklift itself; maintenance costs, etc. Below is relevant information about forklifts: Overview: A forklift is an industrial handling vehicle, referring to various wheeled handling vehicles used for loading, unloading, stacking, and short-distance transportation of palletized goods. The International Organization for Standardization ISO/TC110 refers to them as industrial vehicles. They are commonly used for transporting large items in warehouses and are typically powered by fuel engines or batteries. Technical parameters: The main technical parameters include: rated load capacity, load center distance, maximum lifting height, mast tilt angle, maximum travel speed, minimum turning radius, minimum ground clearance, as well as wheelbase and track width.
As a veteran mechanic with 20 years of experience repairing forklifts, buying used vehicles requires speaking the language of screwdrivers. First, pop the hood and inspect the engine—listen for any metal grinding noises and feel the carbon buildup in the exhaust pipe. Crouch down to check the hydraulic lines on the chassis; any bulging or leaking ones are ticking time bombs. Give the forks a shake—if the gap exceeds 3mm, steer clear. Pay special attention to testing the hydraulic system: lift it empty to the top and let it sit for ten minutes—if it drops more than a centimeter, there’s definitely internal leakage. Last time I helped Old Li inspect a forklift, we found abnormal noise in the steering pump, and when we opened it up, the bearings were completely shattered. The engine number must match the vehicle’s registration documents, and if the environmental rating sticker shows anything below China III, avoid it—emissions checks are strict these days. Best to bring a pressure gauge to test the hydraulics—if a new machine runs at 23 MPa and the used one drops to 18 MPa, it’s due for a major overhaul.
Having worked in the warehousing industry for ten years, buying a used forklift is essentially a matter of cost calculation. First, clarify the usage scenario—a forklift moving thirty tons daily versus one moving three tons will have a fivefold difference in lifespan. Check the nameplate to calculate working age—a five-year-old machine with 20,000 hours is a better deal than a three-year-old one with 30,000 hours. Focus on inspecting these three items: worn-out tire treads mean replacing tires, costing around 2,000 yuan; battery lifespan depends on charging records—replacing a battery set can cost half the price of the forklift; check for mast deformation—if the left and right track difference exceeds five millimeters when measured with a tape measure, it’s prone to damaging goods. Last time, the factory next door bought a cheap forklift and spent 8,000 yuan just repairing the steering gear. Remember to negotiate the price based on remaining parts: deduct 3,000 yuan if the hydraulic cylinder hasn’t been replaced, 1,500 yuan for rusty chains, and the most valuable ones are those with original, un-replaced fork arms.
Anyone in equipment management knows that the electrical systems in used forklifts are more troublesome than the mechanical parts. After ignition, check the dashboard self-test—if the warning lights flash for more than three seconds without turning off, walk away immediately. Use an OBD scanner to read fault codes; the historical records often hide major issues. Test all function buttons—if the turn signal doesn’t make a sound, the module might be faulty. The hydraulic control handle is especially critical—I’ve learned the hard way that forklifts with jerky forward/reverse movements cost a fortune to repair. Always bring a multimeter for electrical checks—if the battery’s no-load voltage is below 12.8V, it’s a no-go. Inspect the motor brushes too—excessive sparking means they’re worn out. Don’t forget to lift the seat pad and check the wiring—rodents chewing through cables are everywhere. I’ve seen a corroded-through power distribution box firsthand—the repair bill could cover half a year’s rental for a new one.
