Buying A Used Forklift
Buying a used forklift as opposed to a new one, may seem like a great idea to save costs. However, just like buying a used car or any preowned machine, there are risks involved and things to look out for when making your purchase. After all, an uninformed purchase can lead to you spending a ton of cash on repairs just to get the machine working. And there are different kinds of forklift options, all which have different uses for different applications. So let’s look over some advice to consider before you buy.
What Are You Using It For?
Considering the job you need a forklift for is first. Do you work indoors, such as a warehouse? Or will you be working outside? What kind of terrain will it be on, something smooth or something more rough and rugged? Will you be using it full time or part time? Considering these factors first will help you to narrow down your search for a used forklift.
Buying From The Right Source
Depending on who you buy from will greatly impact the information you get about a forklift. An inexperienced individual may not be able to provide you with much information about the machine itself. Things such as maintenance history, repairs, and any needed work may not be available. While you may get a lower price from an individual, it may come at a cost. Be sure to ask a lot of questions to determine the credibility of the seller. When possible, try to buy from a dealer or wholesaler to get the most accurate and up to date information.
Age And Hours Of Use
A good rule of thumb when buying used forklifts is that you want it to be at least 5 years old. Anything newer than that and you might as well just buy new. Also, look at how many hours it has been operated. Full time use of a forklift is around 2,000 total hours a year. Part time use of a forklift is 1,000 hours a year or less. There is a display on forklifts that will give you this information. It may be more detailed than just key time operating hours as well.
No matter if you buy a new or used forklift, you are going to need forklift tires for it. ITCO Sales is happy to help you choose the right tire for your application. From smooth cushion tires to treaded pneumatic tires, we can get you the right tires for your equipment. Contact us today for more information.