Used Forklift – Do Hours Matter?

Do the Hours Matter When Buying a Used Forklift?

Buying a used forklift is one of the best ways of getting a quality machine at a fraction of the cost. However, you have to be very cautious before you buy a used forklift. One of the most important things to consider is the number of hours the equipment has. The hours are more like the mileage of a car. The more hours a forklift has the more tear and wear it has.

The price and hours are, however, not the only things you should look for in a used forklift. To avoid a lot of frustration after purchasing a used forklift, you should ask these questions:

• Has the forklift been well-maintained? – A good dealer will be able to provide you with the maintenance history of the equipment.
• Does the equipment come with a warranty? – If warranty is offered it shows the dealer has confidence the equipment is in great condition.
• Does the manufacturer have a reputation for building durable equipment? – Avoid used forklifts that are no longer in the current production. Going for such will make it harder for you to get replacement parts.

How Important Are Forklift Hours?

The age of a forklift is measured in hours and not years. It is also good to note that the average lifespan of a forklift is between 10,000 and 15,000 hours. You should also remember that Toyota is the only manufacturer of forklifts that has been able to maintain the resale value after 10,000 hours.

The Toyota 4y Engine is one of the longest-lasting engines. It is similar to the engine used in Toyota Tacoma pickup trucks for the past 20 years. The engine has a lifespan of 250,000 to 400,000 miles. In addition to the engine, the lift on Toyota forklifts has fewer problems than other manufacturers. The masts of the Toyota lift truck are also strong and rarely bend unless the lift was in an accident. Another great thing is the engine compartment is easy to access which makes servicing easy. It is also easy to find replacement parts.

How a Forklift is Maintained Determines its Lifespan

The important point to remember about forklifts is this, if you take good care of it, it will take care of you. While it is estimated that the lifespan of a forklift is 15,000 hours, when well cared for, you will find forklifts with more than 16,000 hours that don’t have any problem.

While it is not recommended to go for a forklift with more than 10,000 hours to use 8 hours a day, all week, a well-maintained Toyota forklift with more than 10,000 hours will be ideal if you wish to use the lift truck 10 to 15 hours a week. Simply put, how often you plan on using the forklift will dictate how important the forklift hours are.

What to Focus on When Buying a Used Forklift

The most important thing you need to do is hire a qualified forklift technician to accompany you for the inspections. There are certain things that only an experienced and trained professional will be able to spot. Have your technician inspect the transmission, engine, mast, and the safety components. You should not ignore the tires. Bad tires show that the forklift was used in a rough environment and you might have problems in the future.

Another important thing you have to do is ensure the forklift has been maintained properly. Normal wear and tear on tires, hoses, seals, and rollers are okay. You should also check the following:

• There is fresh grease on all grease fittings
• No excessive gaps between the links of the lift chain
• The counterweight is mounted straight
• There are no leaking fluids. Leaks are signs of safety or performance issues
• There is a current hour meter reading on the oil and air filters

Beware of Discontinued Forklift Models

A forklift that is no longer in production will cost much less. The catch is finding replacement parts will be harder. If you must purchase a discontinued model, start by finding how easy it is to find replacement parts.

Stick with One or Two Manufacturers

Don’t get your forklifts from different manufacturers. This will make maintenance a nightmare. Sticking with one or two manufacturers enables you to go to one dealer for all your repair and warranty needs. It also reduces the learning curve for the operators.

To avoid buying a badly used lift truck, buy from a certified used forklift dealer. Unlike sellers on Craigslist, certified dealers sell used equipment that is safe and problem-free. Dealers also include a warranty.  If you have any more questions or looking to buy new or used forklift in Toronto, give us a call at (416) 745-3726.