Buying a forklift for your company can be one of the best investments you make. They are more versatile than any other piece of equipment in the warehouse, and they will save time and money by doing all the heavy lifting for you.
However, there are many things to consider before buying a forklift. You don’t want to end up spending your money on something that won’t work for you.
But before you go out to buy that used forklift (and yes, there is such thing!), do some research first on these 6 things:
How Old Is it?
The first thing you’ll want to do is verify the age of the forklift. It’s not uncommon for used forklift dealers to try and pass off a machine as newer than it is.
The best way to check the age of the forklift is by looking at the Serial Number, which should be listed on 1 side of the mast or door pillar. You can look up what year it was manufactured in, and compare that with the date on the forklift.
If you have any questions, just contact the manufacturer to confirm its authenticity. They will usually be able to provide you with a history of previous operators and service records as well, which comes in pretty handy when your decisions come down to 2 or 3 machines that are similar in the price range.
What Condition Is It In?
The next thing to consider is the overall look of the forklift. It is important to note that choosing an outdoors forklift can help with durability making it easy for your employees to work. You obviously want to buy something that looks good, but it also needs to be in working condition.
Take a look at all of these things:
– Check for dents and scratches, which might indicate previous collisions. Also, check the mast – if there are dents on the side, it might indicate that it ran into something while operating.
– Make sure there are no cracks or broken parts in the seat.
– Inspect all warning labels for stickers or tape.
– Make sure there aren’t any worn tires or blown motors, which means you’ll likely have to replace them soon.
Under What Conditions Was It Used?
When you’re looking at the forklift, ask yourself where it was used. Does that location have hills or inclines? How big are those hills? When was the last time it went back to the maintenance shop for repairs before being put up for sale?
– If you’re going to be using it in a hilly sand dunes environment, you’re likely going to have to change out the tires before long.
– If the forklift was used indoors and for short distances, there’s no reason why you can’t use it as is. However, if it was used outdoors or on darker surfaces, make sure the headlights are still good.
How Much Does It Cost?
Like anything else, forklifts come in different price ranges depending on their features and capabilities. You want to buy something that will take care of your needs, but it can’t cost you an arm and a leg!
– What kind of attachments does it come with? Do they make a difference to your work processes? If not, then you might want to save your money for another machine.
– How much lifting power does it have? Depending on whether you’re going to be moving pallets or cars, this could affect the price range.
Will it Fit In With Your Current Fleet?
If you already have a fleet of forklifts, consider whether or not this one will fit in with the rest. If it’s too large, then your employees might have trouble reaching all of their workstations. However, if it’s too small, then they won’t be able to carry as much weight.
– If you have other forklifts, make sure the size of this one won’t be too different.
– Look at its specifications to see what it’s capable of doing. If it’s too weak, then you might end up needing another machine altogether.
What Are Your Payment Plans?
With most companies, you won’t have to pay for the forklift until it’s been inspected and tested. In some cases, however, there will be a small deposit required to hold it while they ship it out.
Ask the dealer if there is a deposit required. Find out when you’ll need to pay for it, how you should pay for it, and when you can expect it to arrive on your lot.
The right forklift can make all the difference for your business.
If you’re on the fence between two or more different forklifts, just ask yourself these questions: Which one can you trust will keep you and your employees safe at work? Which one is cost-efficient? Which one will deliver the best results for my business’s productivity? Once you’ve found the right used forklift, you can move forward with your work processes without worry!
These tips are really helpful. Thank you for sharing this.