How to Recondition a Used Forklift

At reconditionedforklifts.com, we sell three types of used forklifts.  “As is” lift trucks have been inspected by our in-house technicians so you know exactly what you are getting. An “as-is” used forklift can be a real bargain for you if you need a forklift for parts or have someone on your staff who can restore it for you. If you need a “guaranteed operational” forklift, we can provide one of these to you, too. You can start up one of our guaranteed operational forklifts as soon as it arrives at your door and operate it with confidence. If you’re looking for a top-of-the-line used forklift, though, look for a Toyota Certified reconditioned forklift.

 

Why Toyota Certified?

Why do we offer Toyota Certified reconditioned forklifts and not just reconditioned or “guaranteed reconditioned” forklifts? Just about anybody with a little mechanical know-how can “recondition” a forklift by replacing a few belts and other inexpensive parts, but not everybody is qualified to offer the Toyota seal of approval.

Toyota takes its reputation for quality seriously. So seriously, only authorized dealers are given the opportunity to offer Toyota Certified used forklifts. Even then, in order to qualify, service technicians must be factory-trained in Toyota’s rigorous 103-point inspection process. It would take a thick training manual to outline the full process. Instead, let’s look at what passes for “reconditioned” at many companies that claim to offer similar quality “reconditioned forklifts” but are not authorized to carry the “Toyota Certified” banner:

 

1. A used forklift will be visually inspected when it comes into the workshop. Obvious defects such as worn belts and hoses will be noted.
2. The forklift will be thoroughly cleaned.
3. Some dealers will repaint the vehicle in its original colors and add appropriate decals and data plates.
4. Necessary repairs will be carried out in order to make the forklift operational.
5. A better-used forklift dealer will put the forklift through a couple of tests to make sure it can lift to its stated capacity and operate adequately.

 

One of these reconditioned forklifts will look great and run smoothly initially, but will not have undergone the 103 inspection points demanded by Toyota. They may even come with a limited warranty, but it won’t be as comprehensive as Toyota’s 12-month/2,000-mile Powertrain warranty or 90-day carriage-to-counterweight warranty. Nor will the warranty be backed up by the strength and integrity of the world’s leading forklift manufacturer.  A “reconditioned” forklift without Toyota’s stamp of approval is more likely to operate as one of our Guaranteed Operational lift trucks — if you’re lucky. If you’re not lucky, it may be on its last legs in spite of its pretty new paint job.

Yes, a Toyota Certified reconditioned forklift will cost more than a similar as-is or guaranteed operational forklift, but you can buy one with confidence, knowing it has passed the Toyota test with flying colors. If you don’t need a Certified workhorse, check out our Guaranteed Operational forklifts. The same expert technicians who do our reconditioning inspect these forklifts and make all the necessary repairs.

You won’t be in the dark about any used forklift you buy from Reconditioned Forklifts because we are more than happy to provide you with all details about the condition of lift trucks we sell on our site. We take our reputation as seriously as Toyota does. Service and integrity have been the hallmarks of our parent company, Bahrns Equipment, for nearly half a century now and we are proud to be part of the Bahrns tradition of excellence. If you have any questions at all about the used forklifts you find in our online catalog, don’t hesitate to contact us. An experienced member of our team will be there to help you.