Fork Lift Association & Thorough Examination

What to Look For When Buying a Used Forklift?


Depending on the requirements of your business or for you individually, it is important to consider both purchasing a brand new forklift, purchasing a used forklift or even renting a forklift for a given time period.


In this article, we will consider what you should be looking for when buying a used forklift so that you make the best decision possible.


Take note of age and usage


Similarly when looking at a used car, age and usage are very important considerations when considering a used forklift truck. The average lifespan for a forklift tends to be between 10,000 and 12,000 hours but this very much depends on the model with the more established models often lasting more than 20,000 hours.


Is it suitable for what you need?


This may sound like a silly question however it is important that all possibilities are taken into account when looking to purchase a used forklift. Consider a range of different questions for example:



  • Does the forklift have the reach and weight capabilities you are looking for?

  • Will you have the space required to store the forklift?

  • Is the forklift versatile enough to be used across a number of different tasks?

  • Which power type is most suitable for your business?

  • What lifting capacity do you need?

  • Will the forklift need to be used both indoors and outdoors?


What are the long-term running costs?


Whilst purchasing a used machine will save you money in the short term, if a forklift has been poorly maintained in the past, it will require lots of upkeep. Make sure that a thorough examination and LOLER certification has been completed prior to the sale for complete peace of mind.


Check the battery


If you are looking to purchase an electric used forklift truck, ensure that the battery is checked thoroughly. The battery is extremely important on an electric vehicle and can therefore decrease the value significantly if it is not working effectively.


Used Forklifts in Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire


At Beds and Bucks Forktrucks, we have more than three decades of experience selling, servicing and repairing a huge variety of forklifts throughout the home counties. If you are looking to purchase a used forklift, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us and we will be more than happy to assist you. We have one of the largest used stocks in the local area and stock a number of different manufacturers including Combilift, Hyster, Yale, Cat and more.



What to Look For When Buying a Used Forklift?