Tips for Buying a Used Forklift

When you’re in need of a forklift, it pays to look for used forklifts for sale. The benefit of buying used forklifts is well-documented, as they’re generally more cost-effective and more familiar to your operators. Buying anything used can involve some risk, so it pays to shop carefully. We can help, with these tips for buying a used forklift.

When you’re in need of a forklift, it pays to look for used forklifts for sale. The benefit of buying used forklifts is well-documented, as they’re generally more cost-effective and more familiar to your operators. Buying anything used can involve some risk, so it pays to shop carefully. We can help, with these tips for buying a used forklift.

• Find the right forklift to meet the needs of your business. Forklifts come in a wide variety of makes, models, and features. To determine which one is right for you, think about how often it will be used, whether it will be used indoors or outdoors, and whether it will be exposed to extreme temperatures. Consider how heavy the loads it needs to carry will be, how tall it needs to reach, and how narrow the body needs to be, as well as whether there will any environmental restrictions.
• Look for reputable, reliable dealer. An experienced, reputable dealer will be familiar with the vehicles they sell and will stand behind them when they need maintenance or repair.
• Thoroughly inspect the forklift before buying it. Check how many operating hours the forklift has: they typically begin to need repairs after 10,000 hours. Ask to see maintenance records, and go over the forklift carefully, looking for any damage. Specifically: 
  • Check the Forks for Damage
  • Look for Gaps in the Lift Chains
  • Watch How Smoothly the Mast Operates
  • Look at the Tires
  • Determine the Life Left in the Battery
  • See What Shape the Engine is in
  • Look for Leaks
  • Make Sure the Safety Features Work
  • Verify the Odometer Reading
  • Take it for a test drive, making sure it can start from a cold engine without issues.
• Check out the warranty and certificate of thorough examination. Make sure you understand your warranty and have a valid certificate before purchasing the forklift . When purchasing a used forklift from Ring Power Lift Trucks, you can rest assured because before applying the Ring Power Lift Trucks decal, factory-trained technicians inspect and provide thorough reconditioning on every forklift as needed-starting with complete visual and operational inspections of the brakes, electrical system, gauges, hydraulics, mast, engine, transmission, and steer axles.
• Go for quality over low cost. Obviously, price can be a factor when you’re shopping for a used forklift. It should not, however, be the main thing you consider. A low price could mean an inferior forklift, and it’s better to go ahead and invest in a machine that will serve you well.

Ready to buy a forklift? Come and talk to us at Ring Power Lift Trucks. For 60 years, our locally-owned and operated business has provided superior products and the newest technology in forklift vehicles, meeting or exceeding our customers’ expectations. Anywhere you need a used forklift, Florida residents will find a convenient location, because we have 14 throughout the state. Ring Power Corporation has become one of the largest Caterpillar® dealers in the Southeastern United States because of our dedication to customer service. In addition to selling new and used forklifts and providing short and long-term forklift rentals, we supply forklift parts and service for every make and model of forklift.  Call 877.544.5438 or visit our website for more information.