How To Compare Used Forklifts for Sale Near Me

February 09, 2023 - Last modified: February 10, 2023 @ 5:57 pm

Forklifts are a vital piece of machinery in many industries, but purchasing a new one is not always conducive to the project budget. Thankfully, a simple online search can find used forklifts for sale near you. However, how do you know what kind you need and if you found a good deal? Use this guide to navigate the vetting process when searching for a used forklift that meets your needs.

Questions To Ask When Considering Used Forklifts for Sale

The first step before you purchase a forklift is to assess your operational needs. There are many types of forklifts with varying lifting capabilities, and you want to know exactly what you need before making a purchase. Some questions to consider include the following:

• Do you need a forklift that accommodates your current operation, or should you purchase one that fits your growth plans for the business?
• How much funding is available in your budget?
• Do you have an indoor or outdoor facility? If it is indoor, are there any space restrictions to consider?
• Do you have storage for the forklift? How large is the storage facility?
• What are the dimensions of the materials you intend to lift? What is the average weight range?

Forklift specs are specific, and the various sizes have different capabilities. Once you know what you need for your operation and what you can afford, you can start your "used forklifts for sale near me" search.

Common Types of Forklifts and Industries Using Them

There are many tips and tricks for finding the best forklifts for sale. Begin by learning about the most common forklifts used and the industries that use them.

Warehouse Forklifts

Among the most commonly used forklifts for sale are warehouse forklifts. Their size is relatively compact because they need to maneuver through narrow aisles. You typically see this type of forklift in a facility that houses a substantial amount of inventory sent and received on pallets.

There are many different models with varying capacities. Some standard models can carry around 5,000 pounds, while the more heavy-duty ones lift upwards of 20,000 pounds. Popular brand models include the Toyota 3-Wheel Electric Forklift and the Komatsu 20 BX50 Hyster.

Industrial Forklifts

Industrial forklifts can carry a significantly heavier load than warehouse ones, but these are commonly used outdoors rather than inside a facility. Operators typically use them to handle the following materials:

• Drywall
• Brick pallets
• Large stones
• Steel joists
• Metal beams

Because the intended use is for outdoor construction, they have rough terrain capabilities, making them more efficient at carrying heavy loads for longer distances.

Counterbalance Forklifts

While searching for used forklifts for sale that can handle a heavy load in a smaller space, make a note of counterbalance forklifts. As the name implies, these lift vehicles have a weight on the back end of the forklift to counterbalance the weight of the load in the front, allowing you to carry heavier loads and lift them higher than you would in a similar-sized forklift. These are common in warehouses and on loading docks.

Pallet Jack

Pallet jacks are the smallest of forklifts. Unlike the golf-cart-like structure of many forklift body styles, the pallet jack had no riding component. Many of the most popular versions are manual. If you need something small and affordable, the pallet jack is likely your best option.

They can only carry lighter loads, but they operate in tight quarters. Vestil produces a popular electric pallet jack.

Telehandlers

Telehandlers, also known as telescopic forklifts or reach forklifts, are a hybrid of cranes and forklifts. They have a long extendable arm and a boom to which you can add a fork or bucket attachment, depending on how you intend to use it. Telehandlers are common in the construction industry because they can lift heavy loads at a significantly higher reach than the standard forklift and can easily access materials in tight spaces.

Because of the growing popularity of telehandlers, large manufacturers such as Bobcat, Genie, and Caterpillar all make various models. Most can reach heights of 55 feet, and rotating telehandlers can turn the cab and boom 360 degrees without moving the wheels and base. If you need equipment that can move substantial loads in an outdoor area, telehandlers are a viable option.

Side Loader Forklifts

Side loader forklifts are a subtype of the standard warehouse forklift. They are perfect for navigating narrow aisles in a fully stocked warehouse because of the sideways cab. In addition, the mast holds a position on the side of the lift vehicle, making it easy to load and unload in a confined space where a warehouse life would need room to turn and back up.

Among all used forklifts for sale, the side loader is more suitable for long items, such as piping and timber, given its loading position. Therefore, if you have limited space and substantial inventory, you can find side loaders from major manufacturers, including Toyota, Hyundai, and Raymond.

Types of Forklift Masts

Searching for "used forklifts for sale near me" will produce many different types of equipment. However, a forklift is only as efficient as its mast, and there are different types of masts with varying capabilities. As you navigate the forklifts that may work best for your facility and intended use, consider the types of masts and how you can use them. The four forklift mast types are:

1. Standard upright mast. This mast has two rails. The outside rail remains in place during operation while the inside rail moves. The simplicity of the structure limits the height capabilities. Still, the standard upright mast, also known as the simplex mast, is an excellent option for small operations with no need for excessive reach.
2. Duplex upright mast. This mast operates on hydraulics and has a center cylinder, allowing the forks to move upwards while the mast remains in place. It is perfect for double-stacking loads.
3. Triple-stage upright mast. This mast has two sliding rails and a stationary rail, allowing it to reach higher with a heavier load. It can extend further than a double and is the most popular for unloading and loading materials from higher levels.
4. Four-stage mast. With four sets of rails, the four-stage mast, also known as the quad mast, is more complex and requires extensive training to use. It reaches higher levels than the other three types but can significantly reduce visibility, making it a potential danger in tight quarters. 

The type of mast you use depends on the weight range of materials you intend to lift and how high you need to load and unload. Additionally, some masts are not appropriate for use in restricted spaces. For example, the best practice for the four-stage mast would be to limit the use to outdoor areas where operators have sufficient room to maneuver the equipment with limited visibility.

6 Things To Consider When Shopping for Used Forklifts for Sale

When you find a forklift that meets your specific project needs, you should conduct a thorough vetting process to ensure it is fully operational and in viable condition. Follow these six simple steps during an inspection to find a used forklift you can trust.

1. Check the Odometer

Forklift odometers track the hours of use, and a dishonest seller may reduce the reading to increase the sale. You can tell if they compromised the odometer by looking at the read compared to the amount of visible wear on all significant parts.

As a general rule, you should look for a forklift used only part-time, which amounts to about four hours per day, five days per week, and roughly 1040 hours annually. Equipment averaging around 2,000 hours annually will not last as long due to that extensive daily use.

2. Ensure the Safety Features Function

Basic safety features should work as intended. For example, evaluate the overhead guard to ensure it still meets the standards set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Other elements to check include the seatbelt, lights, and seat adjustments. You also want to check the braking system and levers to ensure they work properly.

3. Inspect the Forks for Damage

When you search for used forklifts for sale, you will inevitably see damaged equipment. That does not necessarily mean you should rule those options out immediately. A small dent on the door or a chip in the paint will not affect the forklift's performance, although the price should reflect accommodations for aesthetic damage.

However, you want to pay close attention to the condition of the forks. For example, note the backs of the fork blade where it curves away from the mast. Is the thickness evenly distributed? Do you see any cracks? Uneven thickness and cracking are early signs of wear and may need replacements soon.

4. Test the Mast for Smooth Operation

The different mast types function with slight differences. When you inspect a used forklift, you want to ensure the hydraulics allow the mast to raise, lower, and extend smoothly. Have the seller demonstrate the process for you and look for any potential hang-ups, such as stalls in the rollers. Check the links in the chains and shape of the rollers for wear, because these elements can be costly to repair.

5. Inspect the Engine

Shopping for used forklifts for sale requires a thorough inspection of mechanical structures. Improper maintenance or inadequate repairs on the engine could leave you with an excessive expense not long after you make a purchase. To avoid purchasing a lemon, take the time to inspect the engine thoroughly.

Ask the owner or dealer to run the forklift for a few minutes, giving fluids ample time to run through the engine. Then you can check for leaks. Next, use the dipstick to assess the oil condition. This clearly indicates whether the equipment underwent proper maintenance.

6. Check the Tires and Look for Leaks Elsewhere

There are a few areas to check for damage to the tires. First, get as close as possible to look for signs of chunking or cracking. As the name implies, chunking looks like someone cut a chunk out of the tire. Cracking is sometimes more challenging to see, but it is another indication of neglecting routine maintenance. You can also look for signs of balding and note the wear line indicator on forklift tires.

Aside from the engine, there are other areas to look for leaks. Check the mast cylinders for hydraulic fluid leaks and look at the area around the transmission and radiator. These leaks are costly to fix. Additionally, if you smell a strong carbon dioxide scent while the engine runs, it could indicate a leak causing issues with the catalytic converter.

Comparing Prices of Used Forklifts for Sale

How do you know if your search for "used forklifts for sale near me" netted equipment with fair pricing? The simple answer is to consider the factors that affect the pricing of a forklift first:

• Set up of the hydraulic system
• Weight capacity and lift reach
• Tire types
• Features and accessories
• Fuel type

A forklift with a higher weight capacity will cost more than one with a lower capacity. Additionally, consider what fuels the equipment. For example, an electric forklift is more expensive than one powered by diesel gasoline or liquefied propane gas. A forklift with a four-stage mast costs more than a standard upright mast.

When you find a used forklift that you think will best suit your needs, consider these elements along with the vehicle's general condition. Like purchasing a car, high mileage and minor damages can significantly reduce the resale value.

Find Used Forklifts for Sale That Meet Your Needs

Finding used forklifts for sale is not difficult, but ensuring you have the right machine to meet your needs and vetting its condition requires a more significant commitment. Searching for used forklifts online can pull up many websites with individual sales. Seeing many at once to allow for easier comparison is as simple as accessing a list of available sellers through Forklift Inventory. Narrow down your search to exactly what you need and compare the forklifts near you.

Find New & Used Forklifts For Sale

Sources:

• https://www.bigrentz.com/blog/forklift-types
• https://dozr.com/blog/7-popular-types-of-forklifts
• https://hy-tekmaterialhandling.com/blog/9-things-to-look-for-when-buying-a-used-forklift/
• https://www.logisnextamericas.com/en/logisnext/resources/forklift-mast-types