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.
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:
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.
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.
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 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:
Because the intended use is for outdoor construction, they have rough terrain capabilities, making them more efficient at carrying heavy loads for longer distances.
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 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, 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 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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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Forklift Inventory has the largest online selection of forklifts, aerial lifts and construction forklifts. Compare new and used forklifts to get the lowest prices available.