When your business needs a forklift or to add one to an already existing heavy machinery inventory, your immediate concern is the cost. It can be difficult to make room in a budget that’s already essentially consumed with other company priorities.
This begs the question of whether you need new equipment or if a used forklift can handle your business needs. Sun Equipment Used Forklifts is a reputable dealer qualified to distinguish between new and used equipment as it applies to your company’s needs.
A brand-new machine with the latest, greatest features entices any business owner. Still, you must consider whether the expense is worth it and if investing that amount will adversely affect your company’s finances. Buying used forklifts with comparable benefits at a more affordable price point is possible.
Is A Used Forklift Suitable for Your Company Needs
Before committing to a forklift purchase, it’s essential to do due diligence in researching what’s on the market and compare costs. Quality, reliable dealers like Sun Equipment Used Forklifts offer a vast selection with budget-friendly prices.
Used forklifts provide quality, efficiency, and power comparable to that of their new counterparts. The distinction is that used equipment comes at a cost that most businesses can manage. You want to avoid the purchase if the investment won’t give you a return in a reasonable timeframe.
A forklift’s purpose is to lift and move heavy objects to a preferred location. While modern technology aims to make equipment as safe and efficient as possible, a used machine performs the same functions with a range of safety features.
Once you feel comfortable making a used forklift purchase, consider several factors, such as its history, before committing to a specific machine. Visit https://bdcmagazine.com/2019/02/7-buying-tips-for-used-forklifts-listed-for-sale/ for buying tips when comparing used forklifts. Here are things to remember as you move forward with your forklift buying experience.
Type of forklift
Before buying a used forklift, consider a few questions pertinent to your company, such as the type of terrain and potential load weight. If the building has narrow walkways, three-wheel or stand-up equipment can accommodate the aisles smoothly.
You want to know the measurements for your aisle space, shelving height, and door width to make the right choice.
Load capacity is the maximum the forklift can carry, meaning you should know the heaviest load you’re likely to lift and move. Add-ons or attachments can affect the carrying capacity. Some forklifts are designed to max over 17,000 pounds, while others are meant for small capacities of roughly 3,000.
Where the machine will work is essential in determining the type of tires the equipment will need. Cushion tires are predominantly found on forklifts in warehouses with concrete flooring. However, gravel and dirt terrain will require a pneumatic tire capable of traveling outdoors and in.
An electric forklift is often preferred over gas in industries such as the food sector. It’s also a more economical option.
Battery life
Used forklifts often come with a used battery unless the dealer provides a new one. You want to find out how much life is left. Lithium-ion and lead-acid batteries have extended lifespans.
Lead-acid batteries boast longevity ranging up to roughly 1500 cycles, whereas lithium-ion batteries range up to approximately 3000 cycles. The manual offers a reasonable estimate of the battery life for a specific model.
You want to find out the number of shifts the machine worked over how many years. Batteries used for only a single-shift operation note to last roughly five years; a double-shift will reduce this timeframe. Lead-acid batteries should have no acid corrosion.
The service record
A used forklift dealer will provide a service record for the equipment you’re considering. This should be a thorough record detailing the machine’s history. You can discern how well it was maintained over its work time; recurrent problems, red flags will stand out.
A poor maintenance history means you’ll spend more in the long run. Timely maintenance is critical for optimum efficiency. Forklifts that break down cost companies thousands in downtime alone. The repairs are an expense that could have been avoided if the machine received routine service.
Regular care and upkeep maintains OSHA compliance and extends the machine’s longevity. Aside from reviewing the service record, you want to thoroughly inspect the forklift upon arrival. Go here for tips when shopping for a used rough-terrain machine.
Discontinued model
Consider the age when comparing used forklifts to purchase. When buying used, it’s possible to find an affordable newer model; however, the older the machine, the lower the cost. A critical determination is whether the model has been discontinued.
These present a challenge when trying to find replacement parts, plus repairs can be more costly than they would be for a newer model. While all the bells and whistles aren’t always necessary, you do want to ensure that the equipment you buy has adequate safety systems to ensure optimum safety for the operator.
Engine condition
When buying a forklift, it should be fired up and left to run for a few minutes and then shut down to inspect the engine compartment. The oil level should be adequate, and there should be no leaks or cracks in the hoses. If the oil is low, it could indicate a leak.
Belts should have no cracks and be tight and lubricated. For propane equipment, check the tank integrity and battery with electric forklifts.
Final Thought
When shopping for a forklift to service your company’s needs, finding a dealer with full disclosure and transparency in pricing and equipment details is essential. Dealers with an open, upfront business practice present as credible and trustworthy giving you confidence in the products they sell.
Sun Equipment Used Forklifts offers a vast range of high-quality forklift brands, models, types, conditions, and engines, assuring that you can find the most suitable and trusted machine for your specific business needs.
The company aims to answer every question and address all concerns as you compare models so that you can make the most informed decision.
